Iain Forsyth

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard began working collaboratively at Goldsmiths, graduating together in 1995. Born 1973 in Manchester and 1972 in Newcastle, United Kingdom. They live and work in London. They are perhaps best known as artists who create re-enactments of cultural and art historical events and documents. Theirs is an enquiry into the mechanics of liveness, repetition, reception and recollection. By adapting ready-made events, Forsyth and Pollard exploit their audiences’ sense of recognition, allowing them to be swept up in an emotional response before inducing reflection on the shades of complicity between themselves, the performers and the artists pulling the strings. In 2006, their work was shown at Witte de With as part of the group exhibition Street: behind the cliché. Solo shows and Live Art Projects have been presented at Tracey Lawrence Gallery, London (2008), Art Basel Miami Beach (2007); MIC Toi Rerehiko, Auckland (2007); Southbank Centre, London (2007); Greenland Street, Liverpool (2006); Jerwood Space, London (2006); George Rodger Gallery, Maidstone (2005); Pavilion, Montreal (2004); Institute of Contemporary Arts, London (1997, 1998 and 2003); and Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool (1997).