Work by Peter Quinnel

We came to Hastings more by accident than design (but that‘s not a criticism) a little over three years ago. This is the eighth time we‘ve moved country, let alone addresses within countries, and various music tours, exhibitions and projects elsewhere. Regardless of where we are, our metaphorical form remains the same, in a very adaptable sense. After all, no two places are the same.

Work by Tim Can

We’re following a similar pattern as to other places, most notably Barcelona and Tokyo. Find a space and construct ourselves into it. We create, make things, build, like other people watch TV, something of an addiction. 26 White Rock is our latest platform and with it, partly due to it‘s construction and shop window, a new theme has emerged: Your existence is art. We never aim to be highbrow, art is not for the elite, nor is it made by the elite. Following the idea that anything can be art, so can any person be art. The shop window will be an ever changing installation, a space that you, me or anyone can walk in and out of, become a part of. There‘ll also be our studio there, so unlike most galleries you‘ll be able to see how we work. More than an open studio, though we‘re not quite sure what you would call it. Certainly open, open minded, open to participation, accessible. Sit and have a coffee, have a look around.

Fumico Azuma and Tim Can  – ZuzushiiMonkey

The actual art we make is mostly 3D mixed media, but it does go out in various directions. Collage, film, photography, improvised land art…and within Zuzushii Arts Laboratory, is ZuzushiiMonkey [Zuzushii, Tim explained, means “cheeky”]. This is our music wing. It‘s on the experimental side of things, playfully so but with an under current. We‘ve performed in all of the above places, film and documentary sound tracks, live radio sessions. Most recently a month’s tour of Catalunya in Spain. Instruments include tape machines, hair clippers, type writers, biscuit tin guitars and theremins. Plus a few normal things like keyboards. 

• ZuzushiiMonkey have recently performed in Hastings at the Kino Teatr.

For more information about the gallery/space or the act, visit zuzushiiartlaboratory.com

Zuzushii Art Laboratory will host its first show from 1st-22nd June, with the opening night and private view being Saturday 1st June. The Lab’s creators, Fumico Azuma (Japan) and Tim Can (UK) will be displaying a collection of Box Art, partly their own, and partly work contributed by Peter Quinell and a number of local artists.

1. How do we hear? 2. The deep sea 3. Intimacy
PICTURE: Zuzushii Arts Laboratory

Tim and Fumico have been working together for 20 years, moving through numerous international locations with their evolving arts projects. The journey began in Barcelona in 1999 where “Doctor Zuzushii Monkey made the first moves”. That was a music and performance trio which would strip down to a duo and become ZusushiiMonkey. The Arts Lab then came into being in 2010 and has itself explored many different settings before finding its latest rest in Hastings.

The new location will help continue to match Tim and Fumico’s creative talents.  It is to be “Utilitarian, provoking and open to interpretation. A partnership of mutual influences, distain and a blend of geographically opposed cultures. Mixed, moulded and thrown into the visual dimensions, and sound.”

In their own words: “This nomadic alliance has distilled, refined and sharpened the points of our views. Material possessions can be accumulated, though just as easily passed away, passed on. Time and again we have literally built our homes around us. Not always the easiest option, but sometimes the only one available. Flexible, utilitarian, we do what we can with what we’ve got. And if we don’t have, we look for it. Nothing is forever. Life, art, us, everything.”

Talking about their creative philosophy, Tim and Fumico explain: “There is no hard line, there are deviations, though it must be said that the bulk of what we make and do comes from what we find. It started out that way because finding was cheaper than buying, but it became much more than that. It has become our life, the flesh on our bones. From within the Arctic Circle, through Asia and Europe. A multinational journey of art, space, performance and life.”

• To find out more, and to see the pair’s creative back catalogue go to: zuzushiiartlaboratory.com The art and photo galleries are definitely worth a look.