Now in it’s sixth year, Hackney Wick-ED celebrates the unique art community that continues to put East London on the creative culture map with three packed days (1 – 3 August) of art-related events, food and drink at every turn, along with a variety of musical performances. But ultimately, this is about learning about and discovering local art, an opportunity to take home pieces to add to your collection at a price far, far away from a Sotheby’s auction house…but could be there some day.
The Forman’s Fish Island & Swan Wharf is the hub for the majority of the activities, most of which give you a chance to see first-hand the inside of the studios where the magic happens. The WickED program itself is overwhelming, so many sights, sounds, and more sights, but here are a few highlights of events that caught our eye:
One Hundred Pieced Piece
Living up to its name, this art adventure will take you around Hackney WickED in search of one piece of the 100 pieces, painted pieces cultivated from discarded objects. Previous events, one hundred pieces of vinyl left in a bin were found and painted simultaneously, as was 100 pieces of cardboard another year, each sold for £1 each. This fifth year, these 100 pieces are yours for the taking, so keep a watchful eye as they are left left all around the Hackney WickED area.
Ben Hopper Open Studio
Known for capturing dancers, circus artists, and the human element in a variety of environments, Ben Hopper’s studio will feature his previous works and collaborations with other artists and photographers. He’ll have available a number of pieces for half price, only £25 for A4 prints like the one above, taken near Israel during one of his first photo shoots. “This location is a swamp, wet in the winter and dry during the summer. The wild grass where Tom-lee is standing is covered in water during the winter. It’s a magical place.”
Ben Hopper & Reeps One are also participating in the ‘Graffiti Jam’ along with Dani Tagen, Anna Rewinska, Maciej Hoffman and many more both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday 2nd August 12pm – 6pm
Sunday 3rd August 12pm – 6pm
“Schwartz Wharf” (on the event map) / 92 White Post Lane, E9 5EN (building 3, 2nd floor)
http://therealbenhopper.com/
https://www.facebook.com/THEREALBenHopper
Workshops at Mother Studios
Care to dig in and create some art yourself? Then this workshop is for you. The day-long program is led by Christine Bach Hornsved, Aarhus School of Architecture and is broken into four sessions, giving participants breaks along with way and a chance to check out other elements of the festival.
Delving into both sides of the production line, analog and digital, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade within the architectural realm, from using you camera as a documentation tool to creating collages and exploring architectural drawings.
There are only 10 slots available for this free workshop. To sign up email development@hackneywicked.co.uk.
Saturday 2nd August 11am – 6pm
Mother Gallery – Queens Yard White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN
Polaroid Map Workshop
Sara Kärpänen is a visual artist who is drawn to the ways we can re-think the ways citizens can shape and re-think our cities and public spaces. She’s excited to run this free workshop where you’ll be photographed in your favourite Hackney Wick spot. Your creative input comes in a story around your photo, which will become part of a collective narrative map of the area.
Saturday 2nd August 12pm – 5pm
Forman’s Yard
WickED Music Experiences
WickED has a full programme of music ripe with variety slated on two stages, ranging from singer-songwriter, reggae/dub, jazz, acoustic performances, blues, R&B, and international flavours.
Schedule
http://www.hackneywicked.co.uk/events/music-events/
On Sunday, London Modular celebrates their one-year anniversary by experimenting with synthesised sound structures and light throughout the day. Proprietors Simon Lynch, Phil Ventre and Gavin Pykerman will be accompanied by acts who have worked with them for the past year to present Analogue Laser Systems, “Which is in its rawest form, the simultaneous amplification of electricity to sound, and light.”
Sunday 3rd August 3pm – 9:30pm
Shapes, 117 Wallis Road, London, E9 5LN
http://www.hackneywicked.co.uk/programe/event/london-modular-shapes/
https://www.facebook.com/events/306777622826633/
For food and lots of drinking, Crate Brewery will no doubt be a madhouse, but in a good way. Expect their pizza times will go from 50 minutes to infinity this weekend, so check out the Queens Yard Food Hub to get your grub on, which is located right along the brewery featuring 10 international street food trucks that will provide both carnivore and vegetarian options. From 2pm and into the night, their DJs will be supplying plenty of tunes for grooving as they typically do on the weekends.
The White Building, Unit 7, Queen’s Yard
http://cratebrewery.tumblr.com/
Number 90 restaurant and bar will be serving up a number of DJs over the weekend along with their tapas, a perfect complement to tasty disco, funk, soul and house.
90 Main Yard, Wallis Road
http://www.90mainyard.co.uk
Follow all the Hackney WickED events as they happen here: https://www.facebook.com/hackneywicked
