Dates / Schedules
13 February 2021 5pm
Online broadcast of the conversation between Jonathan Meades and André Tavares CCB Facebook page
Architecture inhabits a culture of self-confidence and belief, and self-confidence and belief can be dangerous. Jonathan Meades interrogates our architectural presumptions as the syncopated rhythm of his voice guides us through a kaleidoscopic visual discovery of architectural history. Meades is assertive and brings to the screen a wealth of sources to inform a critical assessment of the built environment, which is ultimately a cultural environment. As the result of human actions, a building is not impervious to stupidity. In addition to the quasi-magical and extraordinary achievements of those who conceive and build such constructions, architecture can also result in disaster and derision. Meades’ documentaries are a thrilling journey through great achievements and great disappointments, challenging common assumptions and vainglorious readings of the past. His critical stance reminds us of our need to stay alert.
A talk with Jonathan Meades
On 13 February, use this link to watch the live conversation between Jonathan Meades and André Tavares, programmer at Garagem Sul.
Dictators
This sequence focus on the architecture that enthralled twentieth-century dictators. Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini and Franco gave rise to a horrific period of history and architecture played key roles in all their regimes. Instead of disparaging the physical traces they left behind, Meades interrogates these mute buildings to grasp at contradictory clues which explain the people’s adoration for charismatic leaders and their religious narratives.
— Jerry Building: Unholy Relics of Nazi Germany
1994, 37’, Russell England, dir.
Use this link to see the film
— Joe Building: The Stalin Memorial Lecture
2006, 78’
Use this link to see the film
— Ben Building: Mussolini, Monuments and Modernism
2014, 90’, Francis Hanly, dir.
Use this link to see the film
— Franco Building, Mass Tourism
2019, 85’
Use this link to see the film
Brutalism
Meades’ inquires a confident and optimistic architecture of the welfare state that followed the disaster of the war, but whose life expectancy was cut short by neo-liberal consumerism. Meades delves into the references, precursors, players, admirers and destroyers of this era to present informed insights into the life of buildings and their makers.
Bunkers, Brutalism and Bloodymindedness:
2014, 59’ + 59’, Francis Hanly, dir.
— Monstrosities and the Martial (1ª parte)
Use this link to see the film
— Optimism and Grandeur (2ª parte)
Use this link to see the film
These and other Jonathan Meades films can be seen in the digital shrine accessible through this link meadesshrine.blogspot.com
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