LCN Story: Artist Jackie Chettur

Jackie Chettur’s practice is underpinned by the elaborate construction of new versions of recognisable cultural forms. Immersing herself in the world of literary fiction, she has produced several projects which show how a text might work through a reader. She has adopted the techniques of conceptual writing, such as appropriation and systems of restraint to distill narratives to single powerful themes. Condensed versions of her chosen novels now exist as the residue of earlier readings and appear on the page as new poetic forms. Print, publishing, photography and performance have all been used to render these works.

What new product, service, business system or project are you introducing to your practice and why?
I am collaborating with a computer programmer, Benjamin Miller, to develop alternate methods of adapting literary novels. We have been experimenting with known linguistic structures through Natural Language Processing. This approach has challenged me to think about language and systems in a different way, whilst holding onto the concept that stories are channeled through readers by means of imagination, memory and intuition. The content we generate through this process will be printed in continuous runs using a dot matrix printer. This continuous live printing will add a further dynamic to the work. I can envisage future iterations of this project in different contexts and settings and I think it has great potential for future research.

What was the main motivation behind your application to the LCN programme?
My primary motivation in applying to the LCN programme was to become more visible and active as an artist in London. To have more exposure for my practice. To meet other artists at similar stages in their career. I wanted to use the opportunity of the LCN programme and SPACE / LCN Showcase to produce a new collaborative and experimental project, which was a goal for some time.

What is the most useful advice or tips you’ve been given on the programme so far?
During a 121 with Katrin Böhm, we discussed the process of applying for Arts Council funding, I appreciated the advice that if you are going to make an application it is such a lot of work, that you need to be prepared to see it through even if turned down initially. During a 121 with Levin Haegele, it was so helpful bouncing ideas around about an output for this new computer based collaboration, Levin mentioned ticker tape, which then lead on to the idea of continuous printing using a dot matrix printer. I also really appreciated the discussion and encouragement I received during a 121 with Helen Nisbet about my practice but particularly around developing a performance aspect to these works.

What plans do you have after participating with LCN?
I would like to see how this new collaborative project develops for the Showcase. Benjamin and I see this as a starting point and intend to develop a second phase later in the year. I want to look into funding possibilities to develop the project through a grant from Arts Council England or other science and art funders. I want to develop ideas for an ambitious exhibition next year as part of that funding application and invite other artists who work with literature or conceptual writing to join me. Later this year I intend to create my own imprint as a way of both publishing and publicising these ongoing narrative projects.