Internal Networkz is the first in a series of video documentaries exploring Lewisham boroughs connecting wild corridors, such as its rivers and train lines. It was made for my MFA final show at UAL and is the conclusion of two years worth of work and research.
In this first volume, the viewer comes with me on a journey as I explore the path of the river Quaggy. I pick up the route at its end, where it flows into the River Ravensbourne at Lewisham Train Station. I follow it where it passes underground at the police station and on, through suburban parks and the backs of houses through south east London.
Unknown to us at the time, as I traveled up river, riots came to the streets of Lewisham. I keep to the river and slip through the world above us unnoticed.
I explore and study the secret markings left under bridges and look for links and clues of London's underground legends and mythologies. In particular, for traces of 'The Lewisham Natureman', a mysterious character from South East London 'Graff' folklore. He has never been seen and only appears through the tiny symbol [often carved] which can be found in the wild corners and corridors of the capitol, mainly in Lewisham and her surrounding boroughs. The symbol is that of a crown, formed from a circle of figures holding hands [like the crown used in the logo of Lewisham borough] , with a single dandelion growing through it.
Some say he is not a man at all but some kind of spirit of nature. A contemporary, urban Green Man or Herne, who walks in these wild places where the weeds grow.
Another version of the legend sees the LNM as a wandering homeless man, a herbalist and shaman, who uses these places to rest and grown his herbs and food. The hidden tag is said to belong to him and is meant as a simple and discreet 'I was here' message to his friends and those who know where to look.
There are many legends of the underground.
Would love to know more! Where can I start my inquiry? Paul de Sylva's book?
ReplyDelete