Rubén Grilo is the second of three artists to provide a central position in a series of sequential exhibitions and events co-curated with the artists and CIRCA Projects at Stephenson Works throughout the Space Release programme.

Grilo (Lugo, 1981) makes use of conceptual and formal strategies in order to explore the notion of art as information through a variety of media as diverse as PowerPoint, laser animation, archive material, performance and installation.

Grilo uses the space of the Stephenson Works as additional element of the installation, interpreting the space as a paradigmatic site to place the origin of the acceleration of experience. Beginning with the mechanisation and creation of a physical communications network, and culminating with virtual networks and atomisation of life.

The exhibition in Newcastle also marks the first phase of Grilo’s long-term project ‘Slater Tapes’, following the path of Samuel Slater.

Recent shows by Grilo include: Sudden Glory, Nogueras Blanchard, Madrid, 2012; Bioscope, Wilfried Lentz, Rotterdam, 2012; PowerPoint Karaoke, MARCO, Vigo, 2011; The Action of Things. CSS Bard, New York, 2011; The Benefit of Ignorance. EspaiZer01, Olot, 2010; Before Everything. CA2M, Mostoles, 2010; Situación, CGAC, Santiago de Compostela, 2008.

The Need for Speed is kindly supported by Henry Moore Foundation, Arts Council England and Beca de Artes Plásticas Fundación Botín