The Open Road

A journey reimagined through moving image

East Gallery is pleased to launch a two-week screening of The Open Road, a series of artists’ moving image works, co-commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella, The Amelia Scott, Cement Fields, FLAMIN, Forma, and Three Rivers.

The Open Road reimagines the age-old tale of a journey taken, weaving together new stories by three contemporary artists. The works are loosely inspired by The Canterbury Tales, drawing from a disparate cast of characters to recount competing stories in a patchwork of styles. 

David Blandy, Amaal Said and Sam Williams each draw on storytelling traditions to give fresh perspectives on their journeys, on foot, by sea and through time. The newly commissioned works meander through reflections on migration and belonging, untold histories and non-human connections. A smashed mobile phone decries its extraction, removed, returned and dug out from the earth. A daughter recounts a meandering walk with her mother, connecting with the earth underfoot and a land far away. An eel’s story of migration and transformation weaves through the lives and landscapes of the Kent wetlands.

Exhibition launch

Join us for the opening of this exciting exhibition project, 5-7pm on Friday 30 January. All are welcome, and refreshments are provided. Sign up below or just drop-by.

Exhibition opening times

Saturday 31 January – Saturday 14 February 2026

12-5pm Tuesday – Friday
12-4pm Saturday