Peckham Space is pleased to announce 343 Perspectives by Nikolaj Bendix Skyum Larsen, a film investigating themes of isolation and community from the multiple viewpoints of a residential area served by only one mode of public transport, the 343 bus. The exhibition of this new, commissioned artwork marks the first solo exhibition in the UK by this acclaimed artist, whose film Promised Land was a highlight of last year’s Folkestone Triennial 2011.

Using the 343 bus route as a focus, Larsen will present an array of video portraits of the community which lives in, works in and travels through this neighbourhood each day. Shown in random sequence which never repeats itself, these vignettes portray the diverse lives of people across this area of south east London from Michael, the Paralympic athlete who is training to qualify for London 2012, to rapper Evans, who opens up to the camera about his time in mental hospital, but also about his determination to make a name for himself through music, poetry and catering.

With beautiful cinematography and sound design, moments of simplicity such as a man walking his dog on a spring evening and boxers training at their local club contrast with some of the illuminating stories of struggle and perseverance that Larsen encountered on his journeys through the area.

Commissioned to work in partnership with the North Peckham Area Stakeholders’ Group, Larsen initially approached the residents’ concern about the lack of transport for their area by exploring notions of isolation, and how people related to the rest of the city around them. In this way, while addressing this very specific local issue, the film also aims to highlight some of the wider questions faced by those living in north Peckham today.

Well known for his film works which explore concepts of migration and home, Larsen is a multidisciplinary artist that investigates the views and experiences of the real people he meets: whether in the make-shift migrant homes of Calais or at the bus stops of Peckham, his natural inclination and ability to, quite simply, start a conversation is key to producing these intimate portraits of people’s lives.

For more information please click here.