11.9.09

Mapping the Lost Highway: David Lynch Conference

Tate Modern, London
David Lynch sitting back on a chair
Tate Modern are organizing a superb opportunity to hear and discuss recent perspectives on the work of David Lynch. British philosopher Simon Critchley is set to contribute, along with J. G. Ballard scholar Roger Luckhurst, and a selection of writers and academics. There will also be a chance to see a number of David Lynch's films during special screenings, including his masterpiece Blue Velvet. Even Lynch himself is included in the proceedings, through a specially-commissioned interview to be screened at the conference.

This is a unique chance to hear fresh perspectives on one of Hollywood's most perplexing filmmakers, while taking another look at the films themselves. For further information on the conference and booking, the Tate Modern website has all the details:
One of cinema's most compelling and innovative directors, David Lynch remains a major influence on contemporary art, film and culture. In this landmark event, Tate Modern brings together leading artists, academics and writers from around the world to offer a series of new perspectives on Lynch's films.

Artists and theorists will discuss Lynch's work in a range of theoretical and artistic contexts, including psychoanalysis, philosophy, prosthetics and photography. Speakers will include the visual artists Gregory Crewdson, Daria Martin, and Jane and Louise Wilson. There will be contributions from the writers and academics Parveen Adams, Sarah Churchwell, Simon Critchley, Roger Luckhurst, Tom McCarthy, and Jamieson Webster. A specially commissioned video interview with Lynch himself will also be screened, and an accompanying film programme will take place at Tate Modern and the Birkbeck Cinema.

There will be a screening of Blue Velvet on Friday 30 October at 18:30 and a screening of Inland Empire on Sunday at 14:00. Tickets can be booked for the symposium and the screenings at a special combined price of £30 (£19 concessions). Please call 020 7887 8888 to book (not available online).

Tate Channel: Video Footage