Between the Space interventions

Olivia Plender, 'Work', 2006, courtesy the artist

Between the Space is a series of visual art interventions by UK based artists Arnaud Desjardin, Olivia Plender and Jo Roberts taking place from January to April 2007 on First Great Western trains travelling between Reading and Paddington and at their respective stations.

For his project Stranger on the Train Arnaud Desjardin has taken up a transitory residency on the trains offering his services to the public as an ‘artist for engagement’. He is inviting people to book meetings with him during his journeys to discuss his practice, the practice of other artists, and most importantly the assumed and implied roles of socially engaged arts practices, where the artist is hoped to better contemporary society according to current political agendas.

Olivia Plender has gained access to First Great Western's free in-house magazine Reach, where her new cartoon, Work, has been printed. The cartoon has been produced as a result of Plender's research and engagement with staff at Reading station and extends one of her current modes of practice, the comic. The cartoon depicts a long-standing station employee, Barry, who started work for First Great Western over 17 years ago through the Conservative government’s Youth Training Scheme. The image and snippet of personal history humanizes Barry, the station employee, prompting a feeling of mutual respect between customer and service. Work also reinforces and questions our understanding of political and social responsibility.

Jo Roberts has produced a free printed booklet available at Reading and London Paddington stations for her project Back and Forth. Inspired by her time spent on the local stopper trains between Reading and Paddington, Roberts’ not only documents her observations of the geographical journey but also, and perhaps more importantly, takes note of the very personal encounters that are taking place on the trains through mobile connection in this crossover of private and public space.

To arrange a meeting with Arnaud Desjardint and make your journey more interesting text: 07804 174962.

Between the Space is curated by Erica Burton.