PRESS RELEASE
TALKIN’ ‘BOUT MY GENERATION AT LINEN HALL LIBRARY
Northern Ireland’s new generation get the perfect platform for expression in an intriguing new exhibition entitled ‘Belfaskating’ that is running at Linen Hall Library from December 5th until January 11th.
Described as a ‘subterranean sociology project’, Belfaskating is an investigation into the impact of post conflict in Northern Ireland, where our ‘forgotten generation’ are endeavouring to subvert traditional stereotypes of ‘youths’ whilst also yearning to capture identities for themselves that stretch beyond traditional tags of Catholic or Protestant.
This unique exhibition brings together sub cultural entities such as punks, goths, emos and skaters, who are all united by the common denominator of skateboarding. The absorbing images have been captured by the ‘Waterfront Artistic Troops’ (WAT) led by highly regarded Italian journalist and photographer Andrea ‘Aska’ Varacalli.
According to Martina Buckley, Department of Applied Psychology, UCC, Cork, Belfaskating looks at the world of a generation forgotten by the contradictions and confusions of a city still recovering from a conflict and is ultimately:
“A brave attempt to speak the same language as Belfast’s young people and to understand their visual creativity. The shots compose a fluid narrative of urban adolescence and youth. Stories are told by means of gestures, expressions and clothing.”
The end result is a highly absorbing and truly captivating exhibition that will leave viewers wanting to discover more about the people and the stories behind the pictures and will also challenge them to reassess the way that they look at the world.
Belfaskating is running in the Linen Hall Library, Donegall Square North, Belfast from December 5th 2007 until January 11th 2008. Admission is free and open to the public from 9.30-5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30-1.00pm on Saturday.
ENDS
Notes to editors
IRISH NEWS
Biography of Andrea ‘Aska’ Varacalli
Andrea ‘Aska’ Varacalli was born in Roma, Italia, 1969. Author, journalist, professional photographer and multimedia artist. He began his career in 1992 as an analyst of nationalism and politics in Europe. A year later, he became the Northern Ireland and Basque Country security and political correspondent for the prestigious Italian newspaper, Avvenire. He is the author of several reportages focused on 21st century youths and extreme right wings across Europe. Together with various projects and exhibitions, Andrea Varacalli is today the editor in chief for the sociological magazine, Les Enfants Terribles. He is currently fully engaged in the development of the WAT?! group (Waterfront Artistic Troops) and the awarded Belfaskating project represents the first achievement of the team. ‘Nocturno’ and ‘Tokyogoth’ are among the future projects.
http://www.myspace.com/andreavaracalli
MODEL INQUIRY
Aska is very particular about the women and men he decides to work with. Any woman or man interested in working with him must:
1. be willing and able to do anything you have already seen in his work.
2. not be afraid to get bruised, scraped, or dirty in that process
3. understand that Aska is a very demanding artist, and must remain this way in order to acheive the work that he produces.
4. understand that Aska does not offer or/and get any financial compensations for his work engaged with institutional arts councils. Therefore, for personal portfolios and bands cover, contact on andreavaracalli@gmail.com.
5. understand that Aska will have full usage rights to the art he creates with you.
If you are in compliance with all of the above, then please email him the following:
1. at least 5 clear, recently shot photos containing body shots and facial close ups.
2. your current measurements
3. your current hair color, tattoos, piercings and body modifications
4. your location, email, and phone number
5. your availability
6. a small note about who you are any why you want to shoot with Aska.
7. a list of your phobias and limitations.
