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.

Screening of ‘The Open Road‘

With an introduction by artist Sam Williams

Wednesday 11 February, 1-2pm

Join us for an introduced screening of The Open Road with artist Sam Williams.

Drawing on the radical structure and spirit of The Canterbury Tales, Sam Williams’ The Eel’s Tale is a multi-species portrait of life in Kent’s wetlands.

Tracing the life cycle of the European eel and its elusive presence in Kent’s waterways, the film explores how a creature defined by migration across national borders, shifting environments, and bodily transformation can reshape how we understand our place in the world. Considering the boundaries that separate us from one another, the land, and our multispecies kin, the film asks: “Are we free to move?”

Introduction with Sam Williams at 1pm, followed by time for questions. The Open Road will run on a loop until 5pm.

Exhibition opening times

Saturday 31 January – Saturday 14 February 2026

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