Author Description

The Deadhead publication presents a rich visual narrative of an ambitious sculptural project by the Bomfords that leads the reader through phases of early research, studio production, installation, life on the water and final deconstruction. Mounted to a barge and towed to different locations during the summer of 2014, this large-scale installation acted as a curious marine outpost asserting a presence that both troubled and delighted. In amongst paddleboats, pleasure craft, passenger ferries, cruise ships, freighters and barges stacked high with global commodities, Deadhead introduced art as valuable cargo within a constantly changing flotilla of economic exchange. As a platform from which cultural activities unfolded, Deadhead hosted a lively program of events including weekly open houses, film screenings, workshops, choir performances and a series of improvisational sunset performances. Photographs by Cedric Bomford, Nathan Bomford, Barbara Cole, Maegan Hill-Carroll, Michael Love, Philip Nee Nee, David Peters, Bob Ross, Rachel Topham, Karen Zalamea