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This blog will document an artistic collaboration between Ben Coode-Adams and Kris Cohen. The final work, to be performed from 28th-30th May at the Banff Centre, will stage simultaneous, real-time re-enactments of three related events: the first ascent of Everest in 1953, the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953, and a commericial climb of Everest in 1996 which ended in disaster.
CONTACT info@bencoodeadams.com Please send us thoughts, photos, questions. Or leave comments using the 'Shout Out' links. We'll post them here or try to use them in the performance.
BIOS Kris Cohen is a research fellow in the INCITE group at the University of Surrey, Dept. of Sociology. Ben Coode-Adams is an artist whose work spans traditional sculpture, video installation, performance and curating. All his work is based on developing innovative means of delivering complex and often esoteric ideas and information, in an engaging and accessible way. Working across disciplines collaboration is a cornerstone of his work. |
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Just to continue my 1996/1953 comparisons...I know it is boring for everyone else, but hey its my special subject! I am struck by the passivity of the 1996 climbers compared to the proactive team of 1953. I understand that all the climbers in 1953 were amateurs just like the clients in 1996 yet they, 1953, all had a rôle to fulfil, work to complete, responsibilities to shoulder. In the absense of any work to do the 1996 lot seems to have languished in turpitude, doing what they were told, while the guides seem to have over worked, and under lead. It is true that 1953 climbers relied on Sherpas for most of the carries however there was always a climber with the teams of Sherpas. The climbers almost always seem to have carried a load, broken trail and ensured the security of the route. As the route had to be discovered though the Icefall and up the Lhotse Face most of the climbers spent protracted amounts of time above the Icefall, which proves the effectiveness of their acclimatisation and increased it. Boukreev in 'the Climb' reckons that work at altitude is the best form of acclimatisation, along with descents to below base camp to rest. I managed to track down a video of the Coronation. I am still coming to terms with the fact that it does not conform to how I thought it would be (maybe it does. It is just disappointingly 50's and bourgeois. I was expecting high camp. I think this is the deadening effect of 50's TV direction and technology rather than the ceremony itself which puts Baz Luhrman to shame). I need to listen to Zadok the Priest very loudly to recover my sense of mystical transformation and imagine being in the front row. My girlfriend's parents have given me an original souvenir book which is good. Great text! She says it was hers anyway. Neither of them can remember where they were at the Coronation. I thought everyone British knew. There are some nice shots of Mounties on the video. What we need now is an order of service to pin down the times of each action. Too long as ever. Dear Ben, This loooks extermely dashing. I am sorry to report that we won't be in Banff for the forseeable future but will be very interested to hear how you get on. I have no doubt at all that it will be a great success. We wish you the very best of luck. Lots of love, H and V .......I haven't had chance to read it properly as I'm far too knackered today but I love the sound of it. .....Love Kate D. Good luck hope it goes well - Sallie xx -----Original Message----- From: Ben Coode-Adams Sent: 12 May 2003 12:13 To: Everest Subject: Everest Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 12:19 PM Subject: Re: Everest This looks exciting Ben - I hope it goes well. With very best wishes - Karen Hi Ben, Sounds great. I know the Banff Centre very well as I'm from Banff and used to work there. Will pass this on to my friends and family there, but I'm sure they wouldn't miss it! Good luck with it! Bernadette |
