Posted by Albert.
From the outset Roderick Buchanan held the room extremely well, with confidence, wit, good presentation, personality and an honest demeanor. His research and work in the field of a high risk methodology during still difficult times of sectarianism and oft’ difficult situations within split, yet physically close communities.
His presentation began with a personal insight into his close families history ‘before I was born time’ and sometimes dislocated relationships with both Scotland and Ireland. The many times and travels made across from one to another through different generations during times of great difficulty. The historical insight was one of great interest through the potato famine and the political struggles of the times.
He managed both to talk and to display his art-works with a curious balance. A serious, but still entertaining mixture giving respect and consideration to the sometimes dark subject matter of his work. Asylum, violence against women, sectarianism and the Loyalist/ Republican ‘troubles’ as he constantly refered to them. With good timing, managing the atmosphere of the hall with the odd wry remark. “Sinn Fienn? you just can’t get the full story from anyone”.
The main piece of work Buchanan chose to show was a video piece featuring two musical marching bands each with their own staunch beliefs and affiliations. separated, on screen by a broad, dark vertical line. Of course they had to be filmed and presented separately, and this went further to emphasise the ‘situations’ as an artist working with both sides that he had found himself in. In Buchanan’s words “a statement of fact, a negotiation to work with both sides”. More dark humour “I was pleasantly surprised that both bands came to the opening, although they were still separated by a concrete wall – and seemed sad when it was the other bands turn to play”. “But then I’ve always been a difficult c*$! me!”. Laughs. “It’s a very binary, mixed identity”.
There was also a lot of good information for some of the students in the audience. Practical, but sent across in an ‘everyman’ sort of style of language. Kind of friendly and informal. insightful. ”My dealer, in France, Bruno, had no interest in the project, he thought it would be a flop. In fact it sold out and was a great success”. Importance of solid research. “If the guy is only a footnote in someone elses bibliography then…” And. “No long distance lenses, its about getting up close”. Reasons for doing it. “I studied Belfast to try to come to terms with some of the shite attitudes that I had been brought up with, after time I began to deal with different issues” – “The quest is, to see if I can actually make that happen”.
Buchanan showed other work too, although mostly geographically and historically relevant enough to carry on the main theme – and again with just enough humour to keep the audience tied in. ‘The Thomas Muir Help Desk’, everything he touched turned to shite!
Winding down with questions from the audience. “If I understand correctly, you are trying to build a bridge between the two communities?” Buchanan “NO!”… For the first time, he seemed frustrated. A pause, perhaps he had thought better of giving a terse one-word answer to a student who was just trying to understand. Wanted to help… “I am the bridge… the f*%£!^$ living HUMAN BRIDGE!
