BackBone is a collaborative project made with Paul Coombs: conceived as a geo-located film in twelve acts, and delivered to the viewer’s phone via a free app, Backbone invites you on a queer gambol through central London, visiting hidden places, past haunts and ones that may not yet exist. Beginning with a cruise around Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and finishing up on a bench outside a sex club in Fitzrovia, twelve video works examine what it is to be queer in London, past, present and possible future. Escorting you through a history of anti-gay legislation, protest on poppers, slapstick cruising, chemsex, HIV and flirting between a pigeon and a squid.
Each act is delivered to the viewers mobile device when they arrive at certain locations along the route. Taking you on a walk of approximately 3km, this gambol may be joined or left at any point and experienced in the order of the viewers choosing.The narrative will follow your lead. During ART NIGHT 2018, and in celebration of Pride, Gabriel Mulvey and Paul Coombs will perform live re-imaginings of their twelve-act geo-located video work 'Backbone'. The free app through which 'Backbone' is delivered will be available to download on the night.
