Crowd Theory presents a major survey of the monumental photographic work by Melbourne-born, London-based artist Simon Terrill. The exhibition explores crowd dynamics and the relationship between urban architectural spaces and those who inhabit them.

Crowd Theory (2004–2018) is an ongoing series of performance-based events, where Terrill engages with entire urban groups, asking them to perform ‘an idea of how they imagine their communities’. The first iteration of the work took place at Footscray Community Art Centre in 2004 and the most recent event was staged in Thamesmead, London. For each project, an invitation is made to anyone and everyone with an association to each site to come together for a single, yet collective photographic portrait. Participants are specified a time for the event, but are encouraged to choose how to represent themselves, creating a socially-charged space which reveals tensions between public and private identities.

Each Crowd Theory work involves extensive collaboration, through the mobilisation of up to 300 people, as well as the coordination of lighting, soundtracks, smoke machines, catering and marshalling, creating a theatre-like atmosphere.

For the exhibition at CCP, Terrill will show the full suite of ten mural-sized photographs together for the first time, alongside a new sculptural work, a catalogue publication and a series of associated public programs and events.

Simon Terrill is represented by Sutton Gallery, Melbourne.

The exhibition Simon Terrill: Crowd Theory has been supported through the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, Creative Victoria, NETS Victoria’s Exhibition Development Fund and The Centre for the Study of the Networked Image, London South Bank University.

Public Programs:

Noli me tangere: a duet
Edward Colless and Chantal Faust
Thursday 7 February 2019, 6—8pm

Crowd Theory: artist talk with Simon Terrill
Saturday 16 February 2019, 12—2pm

Crowd Theory Reunion featuring the Snuff Puppets
Thursday 28 February 2019, 6—8pm

Venues