Callanan's work explores apparatuses of power. Gathered here are the responses to his mass letter writing. Each letter poses a deceptively simple question or even inane rhetorical statement and the collected responses reveal the absurdity of bureaucracy and the egos of those that claim power.
Collected here are a selection of responses to a series of letters mailed between 2004-06, ranging from the bemused response of the Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the question "When will it end?" to appreciative letters from the offices of President Mubarak of Egypt in response to the declaration "I respect your authority".
Collected here are a selection of responses to a series of letters mailed between 2004-06, ranging from the bemused response of the Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the question "When will it end?" to appreciative letters from the offices of President Mubarak of Egypt in response to the declaration "I respect your authority".
Review in RAM, June 2007: "Martin John Callanan’s brilliant new book is a stroll down Albert Camus Lane for this artist whose work has consistently explored the clash between the fact of human existence and governments with digital databases which could delete anyone with a single keystroke. Any member of modern society can identify with Callanan’s letters to government authorities, in which he essentially – and subversively – challenges their right to define if he exists according to their records. Each letter poses a deceptively simple question or even inane rhetorical statement and the collected responses (from eminences ranging from the secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury to the offices of President Mubarak of Egypt) reveal the absurdity of bureaucracy and the egos of those that claim power. A wonderful exploration from the London-based artist; one of his best-known projects transmits the phrase “I am Still Alive” to available cell phones, laptops and PDAs in a given area, a poignant plea for recognition from cyberspace."
Review in Dazed Digital, March 2007
Review in Dazed Digital, March 2007
Letters 2004–2006: Confirmation That You Still Exist; I Respect Your Authority; When Will It End; One London is published as part of Book Works’ Chap Book Series (No 8), printed offset in an edition of 1,000 copies, full colour, 48 pages, with a soft cover. Designed by Valle Walkley, 240mm x 175mm.
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