Viewable from both inside and outside, and accompanied by a powerful sound system, the ‘curtain’ – an 18-metre, circular screen made from 5,600 translucent silcon tubes, designed by Ron Arad – is certainly an impressive bit of kit. However, it’s the varied nature of the looping programme of newly commissioned moving image works by 12 artists – including Mat Collishaw, Christian Marclay, Javier Mariscal and Ori Gersht, selected from Arad’s diverse group of musician and designer friends – which makes the whole experience a somewhat disjointed one.
Digital studio SDNA have engaged with the possibilities of a 360-degree screen as well as the original function of the Roundhouse as a railway engine shed, to create a work based around the surreal dream of a commuter who has nodded off in transit. Featuring multiples of figures dressed in smart office garb and choreographed to a rhythmical soundtrack reminiscent of rumbling trains, it’s visually and aurally gripping. David Shrigley’s simple animation of a giant, stubbly naked man, who puffs and grunts as he stomps around the perimeter of the curtain, may be slight but works within the format. But in middle of it all is documentation of Hussein Chalayan’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. One can’t fault Chalayan’s beautifully structured pieces, but to the viewer it’s more advert than artwork. ‘Curtain Call’ is a great showcase for the technology and for some of the artists but doesn’t quite hang together as an exhibition.