An empty shop in Reading town centre has been transformed into an art exhibition that reflects the controlling nature of debt.

Inter-, by New York artist Patricia L. Boyd, is a new Reading International exhibition located in an empty shop at Broad Street Mall.

Reading International, a collaboration bringing world class art to Reading, involves the University of Reading, Reading Borough Council and Arts Council England.

The video shows an empty room filmed from four different perspectives, including drone footage, with the timestamp adapted to resemble imagined costs spiralling out of control.

Professor Susanne Clausen, from the Reading School of Art at the University of Reading and Director of Reading International, said: “The project was curated by NOVEL in response to the pedagogic experiments developed by artist and lecturer Rita Donagh at the Reading School of Art in the 1970s, which in turn were a response to the social and political situation at the time.

"We are delighted to present this exhibition in the unusual location of the shopping mall, as it enables different connections and interpretations.

"At the same time it is an excellent opportunity to showcase our work with international artists and to highlight what an exciting cultural offer could mean to the town.”

Inter- is the fourth exhibition in a year-long project by Novel, and will run until March 15 from 12pm-4pm Wednesday to Saturday.

A live performance, titled The Riddle of the Imp on the Mezzanine (My Journey), also took place on the exhibition’s opening day on Saturday, February 9 in the basement of the shop.

The performance, by Steven Warwick, looks at how forces of social evil, religious retribution and redemption can be seen in popular culture and folklore.

Nicola Williamson, centre manager at Broad Street Mall, said: "We’re delighted to be working with the University of Reading to showcase the work of such talented artists.

"There has been a great response from the opening show and we look forward to future collaborations with Reading International."

Between January 2017 and December 2018, Reading International has delivered to an audience of around 43.000 people, including more than 60 events such as exhibitions, performances, screenings and talks.

The organisation has also worked with 65 artists and conducted workshops with more than 1,000 participants, including local audiences, partners, youth groups and school children.

To find out more visit https://readinginternational.org/.1.