Thomas Mailaender
Splendid Isolation

23 October – 22 November 2020

Splendid Isolation is Departure Lounge’s final project in a unique series of artist commissions, digital takeovers and exhibitions displayed in our Gallery windows. Presenting his latest collection of humorous, amateur and historic pictures gathered from the internet, Thomas Mailaender provides us with a satirical insight into the recent lockdown and the state of the world today.

Alongside photographs from his personal archives and research, Mailaender invited the public to contribute their own ideas and images gathered during lockdown, which serve as an intriguing insight into how we felt and adapted while living through a prolonged period of isolation. Splendid Isolation features an array of tongue-in-cheek GIFs exploring these varied responses, including the potential for strained relationships and feelings of dissent and claustrophobia.

Chaotically broadcast on a stack of second-hand television sets in Departure Lounge’s windows, each of Thomas’ sequences presents an absurdist narrative of life, lockdown and Luton. Mailaender will draw on his ever-expanding Luton archive to return to the town next year to develop an audacious new installation at Departure Lounge.

Thomas Mailaender is a French multimedia artist who uses a wide range of techniques including ceramic, photography, collage and installation, often incorporating found images and objects. He has been widely exhibited throughout Europe and is nominated for the Prix Elysée at the Musee d’Elysee in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Splendid Isolation is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. It is organised by Departure Lounge and is delivered in partnership with The Culture Trust, Luton. With special thanks to the support provided by Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.