“Unseen Forces” is a multi-media work by composer/instrumentalist Robert Stillman, presented in collaboration with Margate Radio. 

Opening on Friday, you can book your place at the evening reception here.

The piece presents VHS footage captured in Stillman’s garden during lockdown alongside live and recorded sound improvisations. The wind-blown objects in the videos—plants, laundry, clouds—form a visual counterpart to the fluid oscillation and modulation of sonic structures in the music.

This dynamic audio-visual language ask the viewer/listener to consider the unseen sources that initiate movement of any kind (whether natural, technical, or human), and in doing so, reflects a preoccupation with causal relationships that emerged for the artist during an internet-mediated pandemic experience characterised by hypothesis, forecasting, and virtuality.

Robert Stillman is an American musician and composer based in Broadstairs, UK. His work reflects an interest in the influence of 'unstable' mediums, and the way these mediums can initiate surprise and self discovery in the creative process. He has released numerous recordings of his own music with Chicago's eclectic Orindal Records label, and has performed his music at venues and festivals internationally. Stillman has also collaborated with musicians such as David Okumu, Kit Downes, Hiss Golden Messenger, Grizzly Bear, and Luke Temple (Here We Go Magic), and with visual artists including Mark Garry and Sara Magenheimer.

Exhibtion opening reception

Friday 12 November, 7—9pm

Book your place at the opening reception here

Exhibition opening times

Friday 12 Nov, 10—4

Saturday 13 Nov, 10am—4pm

Sunday 14 Nov, 10am—4pm