The Vinyl Factory presents Grace Jones by Chris Levine
The Vinyl Factory will present a unique collaboration between Grace Jones and groundbreaking light artist Chris Levine at our Soho gallery space in London from April 30 – May 14.
Levine, renowned for his 3D and still images of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, has created a series of 3D holographic portraits of the legendary pop icon. An immersive multimedia affair featuring lightboxes, lazers, video and a specially-commissioned ’soundscape’, The Vinyl Factory show - Stillness at the Speed of Light - showcases the “extraordinary alchemy” between the two artists.
This show, to which entry is free, will also be used to launch Grace’s new video ‘Love You To Life’, which Chris Levine directed. Fore more info about the show and to get an exclusive preview of the artworks on display and limited edition prints for sale, click here!
Island Celebrates ist 50th Birthday at VF
The ‘ISLAND LIFE’ Exhibition of Photos, Artwork and Memorabilia, which will run from May 22nd – 17th June, will take place at The Vinyl Factory, Phonica Records, 51 Poland Street, London W1F 7LZ (View Map). The exhibition will be divided into a number of themed areas that loosely define the numerous eras in Island’s history - Out of Jamaica, The Pink Label, The Season of the Witch, The Glitterball Years, Island Jamaica, Singular Voices, Global Expansion, World Music, and The New Millennium.
Chris Blackwell founded the Island label in Kingston, Jamaica in 1959 with capital of just £1000. Relocating to London in the early 60s Blackwell built the most diverse and enviable back catalogue of any independent record label in history. From Island’s early Jamaican roots in ska and rock-steady, through the label’s expansion to become the cutting edge of progressive rock in the late 60s, and then on to the signing of such international superstars as Bob Marley and U2, Blackwell brought to Island a unique vision and passion which still informs the label’s approach to this day.
Says Blackwell: “When I recorded ‘Lance Hayward at the Half Moon’ in 1959 at Federal Records Studio in Kingston, Jamaica, I had no inkling what path this had set me on. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with some of the greatest musical artists of all time. It was always my intention at Island to make records that stood the test of time, and I’m proud that Island is still a potent force in music 50 years since that first release. I’m very excited to be collaborating with the label to celebrate Island’s 50th birthday and I’m particularly excited about the week of shows in London.”
The Island label has been responsible for the careers of some of the biggest stars in music including U2, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Traffic, Free, Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Sandy Denny, Toots & The Maytals, John Martyn, Marianne Faithfull, Aswad, Tom Waits, King Sunny Ade, Third World, Roxy Music, Robert Palmer, the B52s, Sly & Robbie, Melissa Etheridge, The Slits, Steel Pulse, Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Pulp, Tricky, Talvin Singh, and latterly Amy Winehouse, PJ Harvey, DJ Shadow, Sugababes, Keane, The Fratellis, Scott Matthews, Paul Weller, The Feeling, Portishead and Florence & The Machine.
VF Event space
The Vinyl Factory event space is located in Soho, London W1 and covers approximately 6,000 sq ft.
The main gallery space is 4,500 sq ft in size, with white walls and pillars and a painted concrete floor. In it’s earlier life it was a workshop for cars and as such has some very unusual features. Natural lighting comes through glass pavement blocks which cover approximately a quarter of the ceiling.
We also have a smaller studio area, approximately 1,250 sq ft, with exposed red brick walls with a wooden floor.
Both rooms are available for hire and are suitable for exhibitions, presentations, trade and fashion shows, press days, launch parties and much more.
The Vinyl Factory Gallery space really has to be seen to be believed…
For further information, please contact Antony Hill on +44 (0)20 7025 1385 or e-mail antony.hill@thevinylfactory.com
