For the second edition of Minor Attractions Art Fair, Pi Artworks is pleased to present Minusland, by Liam Howe, a sound installation that probes the tension between modern-day ambition and the pursuit of morality. Through a layering of ‘get rich quick’ affirmations and the mechanical soundscape of industrial elevators in factories reliant on cheap labour, Howe exposes the undercurrents of greed, luxury, and exploitation in today’s money-fixated environment. Housed within a glass elevator, the work confronts the viewer; asking whether kindness has faded amidst the relentless push for luxury and success. The installation offers a critical reflection on the ethical costs of aspiration.
Download Audio here.
Liam Howe (born 1970, Hartlepool) is multidisciplinary artist and musician who lives and works in London. Having studied Fine Art at Reading University (1990-1994), Howe had his first solo art show (curated by Frieze’s Tom Gidley) at London’s Cut Gallery in Waterloo (1995). During this period, his band Sneaker Pimps garnered a worldwide recording deal with Virgin Records (1996) The group had global success, selling several million records, and touring internationally for nearly a decade (1996-2005). Alongside his musical output Howe founded a ‘concept club’ at the ICA in London (‘Home Taping’ 2001-2004) and has exhibited sound installations including a piece for the opening of the CCA in Glasgow (2001). His work was featured in Basel Social Club earlier this year.
