CCA Derry~Londonderry is pleased to announce the upcoming solo exhibition of artist Michael Hanna’s long-term project, Crossing the Park, which will be launched on Saturday, October 5, 2024 and will run until Saturday, December 21, 2021.
In this project, Hanna turns the lens on himself as he attempts to change his longstanding allegiance from Everton Football Club to their arch-rivals, Liverpool. This process, which has spanned three years, highlights the intense social pressures against such a change, as it is a common practice in Northern Ireland for football fans to choose an English team to support for life. Through this shift in allegiance, Hanna delves into pressing questions surrounding loyalty, tribalism, empathy, and identity, while also exploring the psychology of group behavior.
Titled after the derogatory term used for players who have played for both Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs, “Crossing the Park” refers to the physical separation of their home grounds by Stanley Park. By switching teams, these players figuratively “cross the park.”
The project began with a series of rituals and superstitions that aided Hanna in his attempt to develop a love for Liverpool. These initial works were featured in the URGENCIES (2021) exhibition at CCA, and included actions such as using red body paint during Liverpool matches, dressing his newborn child in Liverpool kit, and adopting the same pre-match meal routine as goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Over the years, the project has evolved, and the exhibition will include filmed conversations with the artist. Hanna engages in discussions with a psychologist on the topic of group behavior and how to effect change, as well as with Liverpool taxi drivers, who share their perspectives on friendship, family, and football fandom. At the heart of the exhibition is a text outlining seven activities based on social psychological theory and research, designed to promote affinity for Liverpool Football Club and reduce affinity for Everton. This text was developed by Professor Rhiannon Turner from Queen’s University Belfast and has informed the actions and works featured in the rest of the exhibition, as Hanna continues his pursuit of becoming a Liverpool Football Club supporter.
“Crossing the Park” is commissioned by CCA Derry~Londonderry, Centre Culturel Irlandais, and F.E. McWilliam Gallery, and is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Commissioning Programme, Derry City & Strabane District Council, An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, and the Elephant Trust.
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