Ben Rivers: The Two Eyes Are Not Brothers

Migrating between documentary, fantasy and fable, and shot against the dramatic Moroccan landscape, the films are a compelling adaptation of A Distant Episode, Paul Bowles’ savage and brutal short story of a man traveling through the desert. Filmed in hand-processed 16mm cinemascope, the stories of Paul Bowles and his muse, the renowned Moroccan writer and artist Mohammed Mrabet, are combined with observational footage shot across Morocco.

Originally shown at Television Centre in London, Rivers’ has used materials sourced from old film sets to create viewing spaces within the gallery, and inserted works into collection displays, creating a new dialogue with the spaces and collections at the Whitworth.

The Two Eyes Are Not Brothers is a co-commission with Artangel and uses footage generated on the production of Las Mimosas, a film by Oliver Laxe, produced by Zeitun Films, Rouge International and LaProd and footage generated on the production of Towards the Possible Film by Shezad Dawood, a work commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella and Delfina Foundation. Film and Video Umbrella is supported by Arts Council England.

In partnership with Sight & Sound, Artangel and The Whitworth, HOME is delighted to host a consideration of contemporary Artist Film following the 6pm screening of Ben Rivers’ latest feature on Wednesday 11 May. Chaired by Erika Balsom, confirmed panellists include Ben Rivers, Andrew Kötting, Professor Sarah Perks, with more guests to be announced.

The Sky Trembles and the Earth Is Afraid and the Two Eyes Are Not Brothers, the latest project from Ben Rivers is a labyrinthine and epic work that moves between documentary, fantasy and fable. Shot in 16mm cinemascope against the staggering beauty of the Moroccan landscape, exploring of the illusion of filmmaking and the art of documentary. Followed by a panel discussion with the artist, Wednesday 11 May, 6pm