Born in 1963 in Glasgow, Scotland, Dave Allen lives and works in Stockholm.
Allen uses a range of media, including drawing, sound, video, performance and installation. His practice examines the ways in which music is disseminated and mythologized; in other words, how a piece of music might acquire a set of readable cultural associations that extend beyond its formal composition, lyrics and orchestration.
Allen’s approach is characterized by a process of translation and interpretation, which he uses to demonstrate how a piece might circulate and acquire cult value as it becomes part of our collective experience. His work plays upon music’s ability to communicate and elicit an interpretive response over and above its basic affective impact, often departing from Rock ’n’ Roll songs and contemporary experimental music to write new arrangements with narrative undertones.
Dave Allen has recently presented solo exhibitions at Die Raum, Berlin (2012), Elastic Gallery, Malmö (2011), Allgirls, Berlin (2009), Secession, Vienna (2008), Elastic Gallery, Malmö (2007), Letzte Überprüfung/Kunstfabrik am Flutgraben, Berlin (2006), Wiensowski & Harbord, Berlin, (2005) and Art Metropole, Toronto (2005).
His work has also been shown as part of “Backstage Riders” at Kunst Magazin/ Potsdamerstr, Berlin (2011), “Parkliv” at Marabouparken, Stockholm (2010), “Chasing Napoleon” at Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2009), “The Sound I'm Looking For”, Charles H. Scott Gallery, Vancouver (2008),“Harry Smith Anthology Remixed” at alt.gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne (2007), “If it didn't exist you'd have to invent it...” at The Showroom, London (2006), “While Interwoven Echoes Drip into a Hybrid Body” at Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Zurich (2006), “Radiodays, Bandes Originales” at De Appel, Amsterdam (2005), and “Hit & Run” at Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center, Istanbul (2004).
Dave Allen is represented by Elastic Gallery, Malmö.
For additional information about this artist, visit Mutual Art
