Over the holidays I have admittedly found myself looking for things to watch on 4od on Youtube. Little did I know what I came across.
An episode of Faking it, from 2001, in which a Painter and Decorator named Paul has to pretend he is an emerging Artist in the London Art Scene and convince 3 critics he is the real deal. At the end of the programme he was able to fool 2 out of 3 critics.
Through the episode he dives right into producing work and practicing. I found it very interesting to watch because it brought up a few questions in relation to the Art World in general, but as myself as a practicing Artist trying to make it into this world. Could it be that Paul had an artistic spark in himself all along that he did not know of, he seems to think so in the programme. But it could be argued that through quick revision and having the paint skills from decorating he is able to 'blag' his way through. This could mean that anyone could be an artist if they wanted to really. This then brought up the question of, is this a good or a bad thing? and are people genuine when it comes to their work?
I also thought it was ridiculous they they 'restyled' him to look more like an Artist. I thought these days anyone looked the part.
I am beginning to ask myself these questions, but I do strongly believe that this year I have been able to create genuine pieces that reflect what I want to say and throughout the term they have been moulded into my own style and I hope to continue with that. Through carrying on researching and looking at different Artists I hope that my work will become stronger.
Unfortunately embedding is disabled for the video, but is available on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRtriHsSrtc&list=SL&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fshow%3Fp%3Dg7CLpseB-Gw%26s%3D2&has_verified=1
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Friday, 22 April 2011
'Cycling through Rusholme' Blurb
Cycling Through Rusholme, Film, 2011
The video piece I have created for the Chorlton Green Festival is of myself cycling through peak hour in Rusholme, in Manchester. That past of the city has such a buzz at night, it was something I wanted to capture. The street is lip up so much for fluorescent lighting, I wanted to highlight that along with the juxaposition of cycling, showing the essence of two uses of energy and which one has its better uses.
I wanted to capture the piece as a dream like sequence through editing and make it quite stylistic. I wanted to take a different approach to highlighting a reaction to the festival and as a keen video maker I thought this would be appropriate.
Kay Woodley
www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
The video piece I have created for the Chorlton Green Festival is of myself cycling through peak hour in Rusholme, in Manchester. That past of the city has such a buzz at night, it was something I wanted to capture. The street is lip up so much for fluorescent lighting, I wanted to highlight that along with the juxaposition of cycling, showing the essence of two uses of energy and which one has its better uses.
I wanted to capture the piece as a dream like sequence through editing and make it quite stylistic. I wanted to take a different approach to highlighting a reaction to the festival and as a keen video maker I thought this would be appropriate.
Kay Woodley
www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
Monday, 18 April 2011
Chorlton Green Festival
During the term I volunteered for the Chorlton Green Festival, in which Interactive Arts students were asked to create a piece that would be exhibited on the day. Andrea Zapp, a previous second year tutor explained what the festival was about and it seemed interesting and I definitely wanted to get involved. The theme for this year was 'Bike to the Future', and we were explained that our work should be based around this brief.
Through Email and correspondents meetings were held every week at in the Holden Gallery Cafe, and on Friday 18th March, a visit to the site was held in which we looked around with one of the organisers of the event, Jeff Heie.
When looking around the space I thought that the idea was to create something around the theme of green and being more crafty. I had never worked in this way before so found it a real struggle. The idea of creating something about bikes and including what I thought was a political message about being Green was very difficult.
When working on the site project at the beginning of the term because the brief was so broad I found I could deal with it better but this certainly was a challenge.
Over the coming weeks and meetings I still had no ideas, having hear everyone elses. I created a few suggestions, still thinking I had to make something, of creating bunting made out of recycled things. This was not hitting the brief enough and at the time I even knew that. I was just desperate.
The Festival was on Saturday 16th April, and the deadline to show Andrea our work was Wednesday 6th April. At this point I had nothing to show. Explaining I was struggling and that I had never done something like this before, was something that appeared to be in my head the whole time. Andrea gave me the go ahead into making a video piece for the festival.
What a relief!
Immediately ideas came, and through corresponding with Jeff to see if this would be okay and if there was a suitable area to plug a small television in, I began working on my piece.
The Piece entitled, 'Cycling through Rusholme', is exactly what it is, myself cycling through Rusholme- which is known for being very busy. With the technical help from Arnold Pollock (who held the camera whilst cycling behind me), I was able to create a short video. Knowing it would be busy and loud I made the piece silent as I thought sound was not important.
The idea behind the video was my use of energy on the bicycle against the use of energy of the bright lights along the curry mile, and which is better for the earth.
The next challenge was how I was going to set up the piece. Borrowing a plinth and television from uni, the day before the festival I had to pay £10 for a taxi to transport it from my house to Chorlton. Setting up the video piece easy as I had brought all the correct equipment from cable locks to hazard tape so that people would not walk into the plinth or TV set.
The day was a success and a lot of people attended the festival.
Looking back over the whole experience I found I did not enjoy it and that it was very stressful. Paying up to £20 to get my equipment there and back did not seem very green to me. It could also be argued that my piece wasn't very Green at all, with it being played through electricity constantly. On the other hand, I am a practicing Artist who at the moment is working with video. Through my practice I thought I had met the brief as best as I could.
When my piece was ready I was just relieved it was done. I did not get much feedback from it and this is definitely a learning curve as to promote the work from the Interactive Arts students more so. It was overwhelming the number of people who attended and I don't think they were attending to see art pieces. But I do think it was a nice touch to the Festival, as all people from different areas all came together for the Festival.
Brigid Smart created the poster for the festival to promote our work there. I thought it was brilliant as it suited her work so much but kept in theme with the festival at the same time.
My piece, 'Cycling through Rusholme', for the Chorlton Green Festival 2011.
Through Email and correspondents meetings were held every week at in the Holden Gallery Cafe, and on Friday 18th March, a visit to the site was held in which we looked around with one of the organisers of the event, Jeff Heie.
When looking around the space I thought that the idea was to create something around the theme of green and being more crafty. I had never worked in this way before so found it a real struggle. The idea of creating something about bikes and including what I thought was a political message about being Green was very difficult.
When working on the site project at the beginning of the term because the brief was so broad I found I could deal with it better but this certainly was a challenge.
Over the coming weeks and meetings I still had no ideas, having hear everyone elses. I created a few suggestions, still thinking I had to make something, of creating bunting made out of recycled things. This was not hitting the brief enough and at the time I even knew that. I was just desperate.
The Festival was on Saturday 16th April, and the deadline to show Andrea our work was Wednesday 6th April. At this point I had nothing to show. Explaining I was struggling and that I had never done something like this before, was something that appeared to be in my head the whole time. Andrea gave me the go ahead into making a video piece for the festival.
What a relief!
Immediately ideas came, and through corresponding with Jeff to see if this would be okay and if there was a suitable area to plug a small television in, I began working on my piece.
The Piece entitled, 'Cycling through Rusholme', is exactly what it is, myself cycling through Rusholme- which is known for being very busy. With the technical help from Arnold Pollock (who held the camera whilst cycling behind me), I was able to create a short video. Knowing it would be busy and loud I made the piece silent as I thought sound was not important.
The idea behind the video was my use of energy on the bicycle against the use of energy of the bright lights along the curry mile, and which is better for the earth.
The next challenge was how I was going to set up the piece. Borrowing a plinth and television from uni, the day before the festival I had to pay £10 for a taxi to transport it from my house to Chorlton. Setting up the video piece easy as I had brought all the correct equipment from cable locks to hazard tape so that people would not walk into the plinth or TV set.
The day was a success and a lot of people attended the festival.
Looking back over the whole experience I found I did not enjoy it and that it was very stressful. Paying up to £20 to get my equipment there and back did not seem very green to me. It could also be argued that my piece wasn't very Green at all, with it being played through electricity constantly. On the other hand, I am a practicing Artist who at the moment is working with video. Through my practice I thought I had met the brief as best as I could.
When my piece was ready I was just relieved it was done. I did not get much feedback from it and this is definitely a learning curve as to promote the work from the Interactive Arts students more so. It was overwhelming the number of people who attended and I don't think they were attending to see art pieces. But I do think it was a nice touch to the Festival, as all people from different areas all came together for the Festival.
Brigid Smart created the poster for the festival to promote our work there. I thought it was brilliant as it suited her work so much but kept in theme with the festival at the same time.
My piece, 'Cycling through Rusholme', for the Chorlton Green Festival 2011.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Anish Kapoor: Flashback
I recently went to see Anish Kapoor's latest exhibition at Manchester City Gallery. I had seen one of his pieces at the Tate Modern when I was very young but remember being gob smacked at the scale of his work.
This exhibition did not disappoint either. Kapoor brings such a sophistication to his work, and it always very beautiful. The piece that stood out for me the most was titled 'When I am pregnant' 1992. The piece was a large smooth orb that was moulded into the wall but as you walked around it, it changed, and standing in front of it created an illusion of shadow and made it appear as if it has disappeared. Illusion seemed to play a very important part in his work, along with using pigment and wax. His sculptures made me stop and study them, and question how he had done it, which to an extent the viewer will never know.
'When I am Pregnant', 1992.
Image from: http://www.studio-international.co.uk/studio-images/kapoor/6b.asp
This exhibition did not disappoint either. Kapoor brings such a sophistication to his work, and it always very beautiful. The piece that stood out for me the most was titled 'When I am pregnant' 1992. The piece was a large smooth orb that was moulded into the wall but as you walked around it, it changed, and standing in front of it created an illusion of shadow and made it appear as if it has disappeared. Illusion seemed to play a very important part in his work, along with using pigment and wax. His sculptures made me stop and study them, and question how he had done it, which to an extent the viewer will never know.
'When I am Pregnant', 1992.
Image from: http://www.studio-international.co.uk/studio-images/kapoor/6b.asp
Sunday, 3 April 2011
No offence Intended: Articles and Reviews
It is overwhelming to think that someone has written positive things about the exhibition I was part of a few weeks ago.
Robin McDonald who wrote for the Manchester Mule website visited and reviewed the exhibition. Here she wrote:
"Kay Woodley’s video projection, My Morning Routine gives the viewer a highly-personal insight into the daily rituals of the artist. The work couples video sequences of early morning household scenes with sound recordings giving life to the video’s unmoving objects. Although the artist is never seen, visual and aural clues provide insight into her personality. The video ends with a shot of the inside of the artist’s front door. We do not see the artist leave but we hear the door open and then close before the sound of her footsteps retreating into the distance. Yet, once she has gone, the house remains silent. This prompts the spectator to consider the role of individuals in the creation of sacred rituals and spaces."
Source: http://manchestermule.com/article/exhibition-review-no-offence-intended#more-8180
I am very pleased with what has been written as it is exactly what I wanted to portray in my piece. I felt I have come along way and have been successful in what I want to say and video seems to be the best way for me to portray it right now.
Kevin Bradshaw who worked at Blank Space was behind our ideas the whole time, and was always giving his support along with the rest of the Blank Space team. He wrote:
"In the far corner we can see Kay Woodley’s morning routine in her video and sound installation, My Morning Routine. She has captured to scenes and sounds that she religiously adheres to every morning. It’s a self-portrait which doesn’t show the subject. Here again we have the problem of a photo not truthfully representing the actual work. I vote for a youtube video. Seconded."
Along with some photographs of my video piece.
Source:http://kevin-bradshaw.blogspot.com/2011/03/248-no-offence-intended-exhibition.html
Photos by Kevin Bradshaw (www.kevin-bradshaw.blogspot.com)
Robin McDonald who wrote for the Manchester Mule website visited and reviewed the exhibition. Here she wrote:
"Kay Woodley’s video projection, My Morning Routine gives the viewer a highly-personal insight into the daily rituals of the artist. The work couples video sequences of early morning household scenes with sound recordings giving life to the video’s unmoving objects. Although the artist is never seen, visual and aural clues provide insight into her personality. The video ends with a shot of the inside of the artist’s front door. We do not see the artist leave but we hear the door open and then close before the sound of her footsteps retreating into the distance. Yet, once she has gone, the house remains silent. This prompts the spectator to consider the role of individuals in the creation of sacred rituals and spaces."
Source: http://manchestermule.com/article/exhibition-review-no-offence-intended#more-8180
I am very pleased with what has been written as it is exactly what I wanted to portray in my piece. I felt I have come along way and have been successful in what I want to say and video seems to be the best way for me to portray it right now.
Kevin Bradshaw who worked at Blank Space was behind our ideas the whole time, and was always giving his support along with the rest of the Blank Space team. He wrote:
"In the far corner we can see Kay Woodley’s morning routine in her video and sound installation, My Morning Routine. She has captured to scenes and sounds that she religiously adheres to every morning. It’s a self-portrait which doesn’t show the subject. Here again we have the problem of a photo not truthfully representing the actual work. I vote for a youtube video. Seconded."
Along with some photographs of my video piece.
Source:http://kevin-bradshaw.blogspot.com/2011/03/248-no-offence-intended-exhibition.html
Photos by Kevin Bradshaw (www.kevin-bradshaw.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Post Exhibition Blues
No Offence Intended is now over.
Having cleared out of the space, covered the marks we left and returned equipment safely, the exhibition has been and gone.
Looking back over my previous blog entries I think it is clear that it all came together, from me being unsure about being part of it to thriving it and wanting more.
On Tuesday 22nd, we decided to have another opening night in some way. Making cups of tea for people who attended and this time go round in a group and discuss our work. It was a small group that attended including employees from the Cornerhouse Gallery.
At the time it was very intimidating to talk about my work to people who knew the Art World well, and worked in it!
I felt I was able to speak about my work well and got a very positive response overall. The only criticism I got was that one person felt personally for them 4 minutes was too short for the video, in which I explained how I decided upon the length I thought suitable for in a gallery situation.
Other criticism I did not think was fair was comparing the piece not having any spirituality in it, compared to Runa's and Marcin's pieces. But this wasn't my intention at all. I never created the piece to be spiritual but for something that was personal but that people could relate to.
Interesting prospects came from the discussion, using the name and same Artists again is definitely in the pipe line and is something I would like to be part of again. It was also suggested to Blank Space that they could maybe broaden from their space and sponsor exhibitions in other spaces, in a 'Blank Space Presents' situation.
The past couple of months of planning, paying, things going wrong and making them right, has all been a reality and a taster as to how a Practicing Artist works in the real world. Along with the negatives came positives. Meeting new people and contacts and now being a New Artist in Manchester.
Having cleared out of the space, covered the marks we left and returned equipment safely, the exhibition has been and gone.
Looking back over my previous blog entries I think it is clear that it all came together, from me being unsure about being part of it to thriving it and wanting more.
On Tuesday 22nd, we decided to have another opening night in some way. Making cups of tea for people who attended and this time go round in a group and discuss our work. It was a small group that attended including employees from the Cornerhouse Gallery.
At the time it was very intimidating to talk about my work to people who knew the Art World well, and worked in it!
I felt I was able to speak about my work well and got a very positive response overall. The only criticism I got was that one person felt personally for them 4 minutes was too short for the video, in which I explained how I decided upon the length I thought suitable for in a gallery situation.
Other criticism I did not think was fair was comparing the piece not having any spirituality in it, compared to Runa's and Marcin's pieces. But this wasn't my intention at all. I never created the piece to be spiritual but for something that was personal but that people could relate to.
Interesting prospects came from the discussion, using the name and same Artists again is definitely in the pipe line and is something I would like to be part of again. It was also suggested to Blank Space that they could maybe broaden from their space and sponsor exhibitions in other spaces, in a 'Blank Space Presents' situation.
The past couple of months of planning, paying, things going wrong and making them right, has all been a reality and a taster as to how a Practicing Artist works in the real world. Along with the negatives came positives. Meeting new people and contacts and now being a New Artist in Manchester.
Monday, 21 March 2011
No offence Intended: Success.
We are currently still exhibiting our exhibition 'No offence Intended' at Blank Space in Manchester.
Having been working till midnight the night before there was a lot to get done.
I had borrowed the equipment from University and luckily was able to rent it for the full time I needed it. With Technical help, my shelves were put up for the projector dvd player and speakers to be placed on. They were high enough so that people could stand under them safely and watch the piece, but not get in the way of the projected piece. The last job I had to do with help from Marcin Wozniak was covering the windows with thick white cotton, blocking out the light during the day.
On the day of the opening there was still a lot to do such as tidying each space, and getting the drinks ready.
By 6.30pm, the night was on its way.
We had volunteers that were a big help, all from Interactive Arts:
Arnold Pollock worked on the bar as well as helping move heavy items in the gallery space when setting up.
Kieran Izquierdo worked on the bar
Helen Austin helped clean up on the day and worked on the door during the event.
Phoebe Myers also worked on the door and helped set up Edwina's live incense piece.
There were many other helpers too. It worked very well working as a team and I think we pulled it off very well.
Helen Austin was also responsible for making the blog in which people could follow, small business cards were made so that people could look up information on the blog.
For all information on each Artists work, visit:
http://nooffenceintended.wordpress.com/
On the opening night, there was such a buzz and a lot of people attended which was very surprising and overwhelming! It was good to see what people thought of the work and to be given compliments that it was a success.
The free alcohol was definitely a success and made it more welcoming and enjoyable for the people who attended.
The after event that was at sandbar was a nice way to end the evening. Everyone could relax, we had done it. We had set up a successful exhibition.
Here is a an image I took quickly once I had set up my piece.
Having been working till midnight the night before there was a lot to get done.
I had borrowed the equipment from University and luckily was able to rent it for the full time I needed it. With Technical help, my shelves were put up for the projector dvd player and speakers to be placed on. They were high enough so that people could stand under them safely and watch the piece, but not get in the way of the projected piece. The last job I had to do with help from Marcin Wozniak was covering the windows with thick white cotton, blocking out the light during the day.
On the day of the opening there was still a lot to do such as tidying each space, and getting the drinks ready.
By 6.30pm, the night was on its way.
We had volunteers that were a big help, all from Interactive Arts:
Arnold Pollock worked on the bar as well as helping move heavy items in the gallery space when setting up.
Kieran Izquierdo worked on the bar
Helen Austin helped clean up on the day and worked on the door during the event.
Phoebe Myers also worked on the door and helped set up Edwina's live incense piece.
There were many other helpers too. It worked very well working as a team and I think we pulled it off very well.
Helen Austin was also responsible for making the blog in which people could follow, small business cards were made so that people could look up information on the blog.
For all information on each Artists work, visit:
http://nooffenceintended.wordpress.com/
On the opening night, there was such a buzz and a lot of people attended which was very surprising and overwhelming! It was good to see what people thought of the work and to be given compliments that it was a success.
The free alcohol was definitely a success and made it more welcoming and enjoyable for the people who attended.
The after event that was at sandbar was a nice way to end the evening. Everyone could relax, we had done it. We had set up a successful exhibition.
Here is a an image I took quickly once I had set up my piece.
Monday, 14 March 2011
'My Morning Routine'.
I have now completed the video I will be showing for the exhibition, and am currently still setting up my space for Thursday, the opening night.
The video is 4 minutes long, which I think it terms of time in a gallery space is long enough to get my message across but also short enough so that the viewer will not get bored and walk away.
In the video there are still shots of things that are around me as I get ready, and incorporating with that is a connecting sound. The sound is very important as a key as to which stage of getting ready I am at. You never see me in the video, just hear me and what I am doing. For example, the first shot is of my curtains and the sound with it is my alarm going off. The curtains are usually the first thing I see when woken up by my alarm to get up and get ready.
I think this opportunity of being part of this exhibition has come at the right time. I have been struggling for a while not knowing where to go with my work. I have seen and been influenced by a lot of Artists. From this I think i have been able to take what I have seen and develop it into my own work. The piece itself is very conceptual and open but still allows the viewer to follow it easily.
The video is 4 minutes long, which I think it terms of time in a gallery space is long enough to get my message across but also short enough so that the viewer will not get bored and walk away.
In the video there are still shots of things that are around me as I get ready, and incorporating with that is a connecting sound. The sound is very important as a key as to which stage of getting ready I am at. You never see me in the video, just hear me and what I am doing. For example, the first shot is of my curtains and the sound with it is my alarm going off. The curtains are usually the first thing I see when woken up by my alarm to get up and get ready.
I think this opportunity of being part of this exhibition has come at the right time. I have been struggling for a while not knowing where to go with my work. I have seen and been influenced by a lot of Artists. From this I think i have been able to take what I have seen and develop it into my own work. The piece itself is very conceptual and open but still allows the viewer to follow it easily.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Blurb
It is interesting to match and compare the differences between my Proposal and my Blurb and how my idea has changed over time.
‘My Morning Routine’
Video Projection, 2011
My current practice of work evolves around a personal aspect of my life, and I feel that I can portray this best through the medium of Video.
I believe that we all have a perception of how we act when we are alone and when we are around others, and that the way in which others see us can differ greatly to how we view our own persona. My creating "self portraits" via the medium of video, I believe that coming to terms with other peoples perception of myself will help me to understand myself more accurately, in other words to create a true portrait of who I am in the wider construct of society. Amongst my peers and my family, for example.
Within my video piece, entitled "My Morning Routine" This is exactly what I have endeavoured to capture. I have tried to capture intimate shots that usually nobody other than I will see, as I get ready for the day. What I wanted to highlight was the almost religious sense in which I tend to the tasks depicted in the video - how I can't live day to day without performing this routine. Indeed it has become more a part of my life than perhaps even I had imagined, and consequently shapes who I am as a person.
The video has been put together in a way that the subject - myself - is never seen. This was in order to give the audience an essence and an Idea of who I am, to put the viewer in my shoes, so to speak. This was done by filming personal shots of possessions and the things around me, allowing the viewer to immerse ones self in the subject of me, the individual.
Kay Woodley
www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
‘My Morning Routine’
Video Projection, 2011
My current practice of work evolves around a personal aspect of my life, and I feel that I can portray this best through the medium of Video.
I believe that we all have a perception of how we act when we are alone and when we are around others, and that the way in which others see us can differ greatly to how we view our own persona. My creating "self portraits" via the medium of video, I believe that coming to terms with other peoples perception of myself will help me to understand myself more accurately, in other words to create a true portrait of who I am in the wider construct of society. Amongst my peers and my family, for example.
Within my video piece, entitled "My Morning Routine" This is exactly what I have endeavoured to capture. I have tried to capture intimate shots that usually nobody other than I will see, as I get ready for the day. What I wanted to highlight was the almost religious sense in which I tend to the tasks depicted in the video - how I can't live day to day without performing this routine. Indeed it has become more a part of my life than perhaps even I had imagined, and consequently shapes who I am as a person.
The video has been put together in a way that the subject - myself - is never seen. This was in order to give the audience an essence and an Idea of who I am, to put the viewer in my shoes, so to speak. This was done by filming personal shots of possessions and the things around me, allowing the viewer to immerse ones self in the subject of me, the individual.
Kay Woodley
www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
Proposal
Here is the Proposal I sent to Runa Begum, back in February when invited to be involved with the exhibition.
Currently working on my video piece and setting up.
Kay Woodley
Email: kay.woodley@googlemail.com
Mobile: 07754543414
Website: www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
Proposal for Blank Space Exhibiton
I am currently working with video as a medium and incorporating that with video self portraits, exploring self illusion and why people create an illusion of themselves and how they want to be perceived.
Along with video making, which is more favourite practice at the moment, experiment with drawing and mark making. I would like to bring these two mediums together through my future work.
Interests that fuel what I would like to do are cinema and experimental film as well as traditional and conceptual work. I am currently fascinated with the work of, Marina Abramovic and her performance work.
Working around the theme of ‘Religion’ and starting with myself , I plan to create a video piece and drawing pieces that reflecting how religion takes, or doesn’t take part in my life.
For the exhibition, I plan to project my work or use a television screen, along with some drawing pieces that will be hung.
Currently working on my video piece and setting up.
Kay Woodley
Email: kay.woodley@googlemail.com
Mobile: 07754543414
Website: www.akayinthelifeof.blogspot.com
Proposal for Blank Space Exhibiton
I am currently working with video as a medium and incorporating that with video self portraits, exploring self illusion and why people create an illusion of themselves and how they want to be perceived.
Along with video making, which is more favourite practice at the moment, experiment with drawing and mark making. I would like to bring these two mediums together through my future work.
Interests that fuel what I would like to do are cinema and experimental film as well as traditional and conceptual work. I am currently fascinated with the work of, Marina Abramovic and her performance work.
Working around the theme of ‘Religion’ and starting with myself , I plan to create a video piece and drawing pieces that reflecting how religion takes, or doesn’t take part in my life.
For the exhibition, I plan to project my work or use a television screen, along with some drawing pieces that will be hung.
Friday, 11 March 2011
Moving in
Here are a few photos in which show the space I have to work with. The space allocated to me has a lot of light and because I am projecting a video I will need to block it out some how. I like how bare the space is because I think this will immediately make my video stand out.
I have recently just sent out my blurb to be published for the brochure we have made for the exhibition. Where as in my proposal I briefly go over what I would like to do, it has changed since then and my idea is underway.
Having gained more confidence with working with video, I am making a video based on myself getting ready for the day. The idea is that it is exactly the same everyday, so it could be represented as a personal ritual. This could be my subconscious Religion, getting ready for the day.
The video will be short because I have found that in a gallery situation, you want to keep the viewer engaged and keep them watching. This is an interesting development from the last video piece I created which was an hour long. At the time it was okay for the viewer to drop into it. But for this piece I think it is important the viewer knows what is going on and can pick it up straight away whenever they drop in.
I have recently just sent out my blurb to be published for the brochure we have made for the exhibition. Where as in my proposal I briefly go over what I would like to do, it has changed since then and my idea is underway.
Having gained more confidence with working with video, I am making a video based on myself getting ready for the day. The idea is that it is exactly the same everyday, so it could be represented as a personal ritual. This could be my subconscious Religion, getting ready for the day.
The video will be short because I have found that in a gallery situation, you want to keep the viewer engaged and keep them watching. This is an interesting development from the last video piece I created which was an hour long. At the time it was okay for the viewer to drop into it. But for this piece I think it is important the viewer knows what is going on and can pick it up straight away whenever they drop in.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Blank Space Exhibition: No offence Intended.
Since the middle of February I have been part of planning an exhibition at Blank Space in Manchester. Blank Space is a exhibition space in which you are able to hire out and exhibit your work there. I was first approached by Runa Begum, a fellow Interactive Arts student, inviting me to be involved. I was unsure and felt out of my depth but said yes anyway! I was then informed that there would be a consistent theme to the exhibition basing around 'Religion'.
I have become behind on writing about this on my blog as we are currently setting up the exhibition at the moment.
So I will get up to date with what we have gained so far:
Throughout February and March we have been having weekly meetings updating on what we need to do as a networking team. Nine people are now involved in the exhibition having had a deadline in which we had to send a proposal, Nine people were successful in doing this. I am now currently working with:
Runa Begum
Ryan Higgins
Laura Burke
Marcin Wozniak
Jason Barker
Edwina McEachran
Adam Renshaw
Miriam Baynes
who are all or have been in the past, Interactive Arts students.
Because our exhibition is based on the theme of 'Religion', we decided to call our show 'No Offence Intended'. This was decided upon because religion is such a delicate subject matter, we have given a hidden meaning to our show in which could they be offensive? Come along and find out.
Deciding things that are a must have were posters and flyers, drinks for the opening night and an information booklet for the public, and after party event location. The exhibition will open on the 17th March then show for 10 days after the opening night until Saturday 26th March.
So far at the weekly meetings we have covered a lot of things.
Thanks to Laura who created a timetable it was easy to see what we had to do step by step.
For renting the space it was £200, split £25 each. Others costs have also been gathered into a kitty for equipment and other things we may need, this is £30.
We have visited the space and have currently moved in to set up, our set up dates are were from Wednesday 9th March till Thursday 17th March, in which is our opening night.
On Wednesday 2nd March a meeting was held at Blank Space to through any issues we had and what we could and could not do. We found we had a lot of freedom and everything was left up to us.
Spaces have been allocated for each Artist, decided by the curator of the exhibition Ryan Higgins. It was taken into consideration what each person was going to present for the exhibition. I am still currently not sure on the subject matter but know I want to project a video installation.
With each person given a role prior to moving into the space I was asked to find an after party venue and get alcohol for the opening night. I have been in touch with Dom at Sand Bar, who is an ex Interactive Arts Student and the after party will be held there. Free alcohol has also kindly been donated from Sand Bar. Marcin Wozniak has been in touch with Font Bar enquiring about free alcohol.
Upon seeing the previous opening exhibition at Blank Space we were able to confirm cases of wine from a company called Barefoot Wine, if we placed their logo on our flyer. This was not a problem at all and is now further networking connection we have made.
The flyer and poster has been designed by Ryan Higgins and Jason Barker and is currently in circulation around the city. Each of us have been placing flyers out in public places such as bars clubs galleries, and approaching the general public in the street.
The design behind the flyer was to keep it simple and something that was quite mysterious as to what it meant. Aesthetically I think the black works well with the gold.
Front of the flyer
Back of the flyer
We have just currently moved into the space and are on with preparing for the exhibition.
Watch this space....
I have become behind on writing about this on my blog as we are currently setting up the exhibition at the moment.
So I will get up to date with what we have gained so far:
Throughout February and March we have been having weekly meetings updating on what we need to do as a networking team. Nine people are now involved in the exhibition having had a deadline in which we had to send a proposal, Nine people were successful in doing this. I am now currently working with:
Runa Begum
Ryan Higgins
Laura Burke
Marcin Wozniak
Jason Barker
Edwina McEachran
Adam Renshaw
Miriam Baynes
who are all or have been in the past, Interactive Arts students.
Because our exhibition is based on the theme of 'Religion', we decided to call our show 'No Offence Intended'. This was decided upon because religion is such a delicate subject matter, we have given a hidden meaning to our show in which could they be offensive? Come along and find out.
Deciding things that are a must have were posters and flyers, drinks for the opening night and an information booklet for the public, and after party event location. The exhibition will open on the 17th March then show for 10 days after the opening night until Saturday 26th March.
So far at the weekly meetings we have covered a lot of things.
Thanks to Laura who created a timetable it was easy to see what we had to do step by step.
For renting the space it was £200, split £25 each. Others costs have also been gathered into a kitty for equipment and other things we may need, this is £30.
We have visited the space and have currently moved in to set up, our set up dates are were from Wednesday 9th March till Thursday 17th March, in which is our opening night.
On Wednesday 2nd March a meeting was held at Blank Space to through any issues we had and what we could and could not do. We found we had a lot of freedom and everything was left up to us.
Spaces have been allocated for each Artist, decided by the curator of the exhibition Ryan Higgins. It was taken into consideration what each person was going to present for the exhibition. I am still currently not sure on the subject matter but know I want to project a video installation.
With each person given a role prior to moving into the space I was asked to find an after party venue and get alcohol for the opening night. I have been in touch with Dom at Sand Bar, who is an ex Interactive Arts Student and the after party will be held there. Free alcohol has also kindly been donated from Sand Bar. Marcin Wozniak has been in touch with Font Bar enquiring about free alcohol.
Upon seeing the previous opening exhibition at Blank Space we were able to confirm cases of wine from a company called Barefoot Wine, if we placed their logo on our flyer. This was not a problem at all and is now further networking connection we have made.
The flyer and poster has been designed by Ryan Higgins and Jason Barker and is currently in circulation around the city. Each of us have been placing flyers out in public places such as bars clubs galleries, and approaching the general public in the street.
The design behind the flyer was to keep it simple and something that was quite mysterious as to what it meant. Aesthetically I think the black works well with the gold.
Front of the flyer
Back of the flyer
We have just currently moved into the space and are on with preparing for the exhibition.
Watch this space....
Monday, 7 March 2011
Drawing again
I have found myself not creating any videos at the moment, yet I have lots of ideas, why am I so afraid to persue them?
Meanwhile I have found that I have started to enjoy drawing again in a child like way. I find that drawing quickly is more honest and real and I like to draw off the top of my head, make mistakes, nothing is accurate but it is still plausible in what the drawing is of I would like to think.
These are a few drawings of the house I am currently living in here in Manchester. They are all done quickly. It could be said they are quite personal drawings as only I know what they are of and the items in there.
Bedroom
Bathroom
Kitchen
Meanwhile I have found that I have started to enjoy drawing again in a child like way. I find that drawing quickly is more honest and real and I like to draw off the top of my head, make mistakes, nothing is accurate but it is still plausible in what the drawing is of I would like to think.
These are a few drawings of the house I am currently living in here in Manchester. They are all done quickly. It could be said they are quite personal drawings as only I know what they are of and the items in there.
Bedroom
Bathroom
Kitchen
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Images continued..
Forever finding forgotten images from Berlin, the below are from Hamburger Bahnhof, East Side Gallery and the Jewish Museum.
The East Side Gallery, which was a row of paintings along the Berlin Wall were quite interesting and obviously had a strong message behind them. It was interesting to see the different artworks, but they did not thrill me at all.
The Jewish Museum was very enjoyable in the sense that I learnt things I hadn't known before and going around the museum itself was quite disorientating. This was done purposely by the architect, Daniel Libeskind.
The East Side Gallery, which was a row of paintings along the Berlin Wall were quite interesting and obviously had a strong message behind them. It was interesting to see the different artworks, but they did not thrill me at all.
The Jewish Museum was very enjoyable in the sense that I learnt things I hadn't known before and going around the museum itself was quite disorientating. This was done purposely by the architect, Daniel Libeskind.
Images from the Tv Tower
Here are some images I took from my phone when at the top of the TV Tower in Berlin. I had forgot about them so thought I would upload them. I was just seeing what different effects I could use and how it altered the landscape.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Feeling Rushed, Lost, Confused Etc Etc...
I feel that despite seeing and looking into lots of work recently I am still struggling to find what to do next. I have had some ideas to film myself again and I still want to explore this idea of seeing how I really am on camera. One idea I have is to film myself on the telephone to somehow quite close, such as a family. It could be that I get so involved in the conversation I forget I am being filmed.
I keep getting ideas in my head that just seem to stay in the pipeline at the moment.
Also this term is supposed to be about networking and I feel I have not had time to do anything due to being pulled into Uni for different day projects. I understand that they are there to help us, but it just feels I am getting behind on my work and blog and not knowing what to do. I have had to back log my blog the past few weeks due to too many things to talk about in such little time!
On the 14th and 15th February we were set a two day project with Ben and Sersia, the tutors from Third year. Looking back it was fun but at the time I found it very stressful and I think I took it too seriously. I don't think I will be using anything I learnt from those days in my own practice, but it was still good to work to a sharp deadline and also get to know the third year tutors.
I have also been attending the film that Third year Tutor Ben has been putting on every monday. I have found them very interesting and enjoyable as I want to broaden my horizons to film, which looking back at this point seems to have been kick start all the way back in September with my film lectures. One Film that stuck in my mind for all the wrong reasons was 'Our Daily Bread' by Nikolaus Geyrhalter, in which it allows the audience see how mass food is produced. The scenes of animal killing was quite distressing but and I never felt immune to watching them and had to look away. It did make me think twice about how food is produced today. Visually as a documentary the style was quite nice and symmetrical.
I keep getting ideas in my head that just seem to stay in the pipeline at the moment.
Also this term is supposed to be about networking and I feel I have not had time to do anything due to being pulled into Uni for different day projects. I understand that they are there to help us, but it just feels I am getting behind on my work and blog and not knowing what to do. I have had to back log my blog the past few weeks due to too many things to talk about in such little time!
On the 14th and 15th February we were set a two day project with Ben and Sersia, the tutors from Third year. Looking back it was fun but at the time I found it very stressful and I think I took it too seriously. I don't think I will be using anything I learnt from those days in my own practice, but it was still good to work to a sharp deadline and also get to know the third year tutors.
I have also been attending the film that Third year Tutor Ben has been putting on every monday. I have found them very interesting and enjoyable as I want to broaden my horizons to film, which looking back at this point seems to have been kick start all the way back in September with my film lectures. One Film that stuck in my mind for all the wrong reasons was 'Our Daily Bread' by Nikolaus Geyrhalter, in which it allows the audience see how mass food is produced. The scenes of animal killing was quite distressing but and I never felt immune to watching them and had to look away. It did make me think twice about how food is produced today. Visually as a documentary the style was quite nice and symmetrical.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Derek Jarman 'Blue'
I have been asked by student Marcin Wozniak to start a film group. His idea was to make it slightly different. The idea was to show a film each week but with limited space around the university, adapt to that. For example one week a film could be projected in the studio, the next in a lecture theatre, or even on someones laptop. Each will work around the style of film, and how many people should wish to attend. Having both studied the lectures 'Alternative History of Film and Video', and working with video it is clear it is a common ground and something that we are both influenced by.
The plan was to show a film every thursday and throughout the week it would be planned where it would be shown. It is open to all students and hopefully the outcome will be that a dedicated group would form.
Everyone can bring it films they find interesting and after the film a discussion would commence.
The First film that was shown was Derek Jarmans 'Blue'. Jarman himself was dying of HIV and when making the film he lost his vision. It was said that this the colour blue was all he could see. The hour and a half film is just the colour blue, nothing happens and nothing changes. There is narration from different characters as you follow Jarman's journey which gets more and more delusional and harder to follow.
I was expecting my eyes would begin to play tricks on me and that I would imagine shapes in the blue. This didn't seem to happen and I felt I began to lose interest in the dialog no matter how hard I concentrated.
The Discussion after was very helpful as everyone had an opinion on the film and why. Also parts people were unclear about were made clear by others. I had no idea there were blatant references to sexuality during the film. I found that the language was hard to follow.
This was just a practice run as to how the video group may work and it seemed successful.
Due to it being a very busy term the video group has not been a main priority but it something that will hopefully be hosted every week next year.
The plan was to show a film every thursday and throughout the week it would be planned where it would be shown. It is open to all students and hopefully the outcome will be that a dedicated group would form.
Everyone can bring it films they find interesting and after the film a discussion would commence.
The First film that was shown was Derek Jarmans 'Blue'. Jarman himself was dying of HIV and when making the film he lost his vision. It was said that this the colour blue was all he could see. The hour and a half film is just the colour blue, nothing happens and nothing changes. There is narration from different characters as you follow Jarman's journey which gets more and more delusional and harder to follow.
I was expecting my eyes would begin to play tricks on me and that I would imagine shapes in the blue. This didn't seem to happen and I felt I began to lose interest in the dialog no matter how hard I concentrated.
The Discussion after was very helpful as everyone had an opinion on the film and why. Also parts people were unclear about were made clear by others. I had no idea there were blatant references to sexuality during the film. I found that the language was hard to follow.
This was just a practice run as to how the video group may work and it seemed successful.
Due to it being a very busy term the video group has not been a main priority but it something that will hopefully be hosted every week next year.
Friday, 18 February 2011
Berlin Gallery: Edmund Clark
Edmund Clark's work was shown at the Berlin Gallery and was the most powerful work that I had some across when visiting Berlin. His Photography was of Guantanamo Bay and photographed the different areas. His work was set out so that there was a contrast between each photograph, highlighting how different the surroundings seemed to be but on purpose. The photographs from the cells to the homes that the American army base lived at were very different.
What I liked about the work was how shallow yet deep the photographs seemed. They were very bleak due to the subject but was it also because I was aware of what I was looking at it was bleak, that is was of Guantanamo Bay. The items he photographed are something that I could see everyday but because of their location it changes their meaning somehow. There was something about his work I can not quite figure out but it seemed to move me still. The images were very powerful.
The colours in his work are very stale in their lighting which visually I think is quite nice.
Image from: http://www.culture24.org.uk/asset_arena/6/31/01/310136/v0_master.jpg
What I liked about the work was how shallow yet deep the photographs seemed. They were very bleak due to the subject but was it also because I was aware of what I was looking at it was bleak, that is was of Guantanamo Bay. The items he photographed are something that I could see everyday but because of their location it changes their meaning somehow. There was something about his work I can not quite figure out but it seemed to move me still. The images were very powerful.
The colours in his work are very stale in their lighting which visually I think is quite nice.
Image from: http://www.culture24.org.uk/asset_arena/6/31/01/310136/v0_master.jpg
Belated Berlin Post: Berlin Gallery
Working through notes to put on my blog I have not mentioned the work I saw at the Berlin Gallery.
Nan Goldin's photography work was currently being shown featuring photos from stages in her life, including close friends and places she had lived.
I think her work was very interesting to look at and it would seem that it was very different at the time it was taken, but I think today the style her photography has is very popular and fashionable.
Image from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zYPrypSBSEy7y6wjaZAupJVDS5H-XKItCtYoz51V2coProl0DA4vXP7jknOTqxtpQVk6gFjaHbR07UiDlGj8fRwefsDJzScPTCZRSlNjthqGHa80duYXupQtC39laJcjMrWuH2fgSyBP/s400/goldin3.jpg
Image from: http://krystiandata.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/nan_goldin-battered.jpg
Nan Goldin's photography work was currently being shown featuring photos from stages in her life, including close friends and places she had lived.
I think her work was very interesting to look at and it would seem that it was very different at the time it was taken, but I think today the style her photography has is very popular and fashionable.
Image from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zYPrypSBSEy7y6wjaZAupJVDS5H-XKItCtYoz51V2coProl0DA4vXP7jknOTqxtpQVk6gFjaHbR07UiDlGj8fRwefsDJzScPTCZRSlNjthqGHa80duYXupQtC39laJcjMrWuH2fgSyBP/s400/goldin3.jpg
Image from: http://krystiandata.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/nan_goldin-battered.jpg
Experimenting
Some experimenting with a few screen shots of my expressions from my Self Portrait Video.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Paul McCarthy
The piece I saw of Paul McCarthy's titled 'Rocky' at the Hamburger Bahnhof seemed very performative and very an extremity of someone putting themselves in their work. In the video McCarthy wears a mask and pummels himself with boxing gloves. As I watched it it was evident that he was actually hurting himself. And what I did enjoy was the phone ringing right at the end making him stop.
When looking into other works of his, it is very performative and stage like. He uses costumes within his work and plays characters.
I find at the moment I want my work to be more honest and not play a part, but was my work performative to begin with? I definitely am finding that my work is more honest and an exploration for myself at this time.
When looking into other works of his, it is very performative and stage like. He uses costumes within his work and plays characters.
I find at the moment I want my work to be more honest and not play a part, but was my work performative to begin with? I definitely am finding that my work is more honest and an exploration for myself at this time.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Hamburger Bahnhof: Bruce Nauman
Others works at the Hamburger Bahnhof that stood out for me were the sculptures by Bruce Nauman along with his video works. They didn't stand out for me in a postive way though, its funny how I remember the name and work but didn't like it. Why is this? Is it good anyway that it has left an impression on me be it a negative one?
I can see a connection of him using himself in his work as I have been keen to use myself as a subject within my work.
'Four Pairs Of Heads', Bruce Nauman, 1991.
I can see a connection of him using himself in his work as I have been keen to use myself as a subject within my work.
'Four Pairs Of Heads', Bruce Nauman, 1991.
Friday, 11 February 2011
Hamburger Bahnhof: Philipp Lachenmann
There was a lot to see around the Hamburger Bahnhof but only certain work stood out for me.
Philipp Lachenmann's video installation entitled 'Shu' was really interesting. When entering the dark room styled similar to a cinema with rows of seats you were able to sit for as long as you liked to watch the piece. To begin with I wasn't sure what was going on in the video and it appeared to be of shooting stars in the sky. The longer I watched it it became obvious they were aeroplanes flying over what I thought at the time was a housing area in the desert. Not being sure of the details didn't matter when viewing the piece, it was so relaxing and peaceful to watch. It struck me how some so simple could work so effectively and it really left an impression on me.
I did however find that the curtain used was not helpful at all and very distracting when people were entering and leaving the space letting light in.
When I read about the piece and looked into it, I found that it was filmed over looking a prison and that Lachenmann was influenced by different styles of films from the Disney logo to Science Fiction films. This was very clear in the piece.
It was nice to think that there was a juxtaposition of the peace and calm of the filming of the planes against the scenery of a prison which ordinarily would strike in our minds as something negative and ugly.
I found myself enjoying video pieces more so when looking around galleries, and giving me ideas for my own video work.
'Shu', Philipp Lachenmann, 2007
Image taken from:
http://thecarriageheldbutjustourselves.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/philipp-lachenmann-shu.jpg
Philipp Lachenmann's video installation entitled 'Shu' was really interesting. When entering the dark room styled similar to a cinema with rows of seats you were able to sit for as long as you liked to watch the piece. To begin with I wasn't sure what was going on in the video and it appeared to be of shooting stars in the sky. The longer I watched it it became obvious they were aeroplanes flying over what I thought at the time was a housing area in the desert. Not being sure of the details didn't matter when viewing the piece, it was so relaxing and peaceful to watch. It struck me how some so simple could work so effectively and it really left an impression on me.
I did however find that the curtain used was not helpful at all and very distracting when people were entering and leaving the space letting light in.
When I read about the piece and looked into it, I found that it was filmed over looking a prison and that Lachenmann was influenced by different styles of films from the Disney logo to Science Fiction films. This was very clear in the piece.
It was nice to think that there was a juxtaposition of the peace and calm of the filming of the planes against the scenery of a prison which ordinarily would strike in our minds as something negative and ugly.
I found myself enjoying video pieces more so when looking around galleries, and giving me ideas for my own video work.
'Shu', Philipp Lachenmann, 2007
Image taken from:
http://thecarriageheldbutjustourselves.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/philipp-lachenmann-shu.jpg
Monday, 7 February 2011
BERLIN!
I went to visit Berlin with the course from the 31st January to 4th February. It will definitely be a trip to remember. Despite it being -6 for most of the week and still feeling cold to the bone no matter how many layers were worn I got to see a lot of galleries and do different things.
Galleries and places I visited were:
Hamburger Bahnhof
The Berlin Gallery
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish War Memorial
Brandenburg Gate
East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall
Television Tower in Alexanderplatz
and many others.
I found that at the time it was very cold and found it hard to enjoy myself. Looking back though it was well worth the experience and in the short time there I walked a lot and saw a lot. When visiting the different Galleries there was some work that really stood out for me.
I did enjoy stumbling across photo booths that only cost 2 euros.
More information of Galleries and Artists to come...
Galleries and places I visited were:
Hamburger Bahnhof
The Berlin Gallery
The Jewish Museum
The Jewish War Memorial
Brandenburg Gate
East Side Gallery on the Berlin Wall
Television Tower in Alexanderplatz
and many others.
I found that at the time it was very cold and found it hard to enjoy myself. Looking back though it was well worth the experience and in the short time there I walked a lot and saw a lot. When visiting the different Galleries there was some work that really stood out for me.
I did enjoy stumbling across photo booths that only cost 2 euros.
More information of Galleries and Artists to come...
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Lost In Translation
Lost In Translation is one of my favourite films and the style that Sofia Coppola films in is something I find really influencing. At the beginning of the film there is just a shot of one of the main characters behind. It is very simple but I think a very good way to start the film, the slight movement tells so much even from something so simple. The simplicity is something I look to do in my own work.
Image taken from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJJvCEHhRwy-kdok14uaFp8GPGL5S8mLKNPi_lk9a_tO8dWpsyD6Ah4PrXXyPZpcbftbasE1uT3WKdGsCjWZDSqe9o5fzljlYdZjYDPsKhtfrM_PXDhfhu7dJhX0d1pxrB5XWfh5Sx18/s1600/Scar-Jo.jpg
Image taken from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJJvCEHhRwy-kdok14uaFp8GPGL5S8mLKNPi_lk9a_tO8dWpsyD6Ah4PrXXyPZpcbftbasE1uT3WKdGsCjWZDSqe9o5fzljlYdZjYDPsKhtfrM_PXDhfhu7dJhX0d1pxrB5XWfh5Sx18/s1600/Scar-Jo.jpg
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Site Project continued..
For the Site project that lasted only a week, I had a very interesting week. Vaguely based on the idea of the Fortune trees in Japan I approached people asking them to write anything down on a strip of paper which I would then place around the uni to be found. I found that this was the best way to get a large respond in such a short amount of time. I also tried leaving a notice to invite people to write things down but the response was low.
Over the week I began to find asking people very stressful and that they were not compliant. I also began to panic because I hadn't made it clear that these strips of paper were to be found and read again. I decided to not use the written strips of paper and began just folding blank pieces. I had no idea that there were so many precautions to take when involving people.
For the final piece I stuck the blank pieces of paper along the stairwell in the entrance to Chatham, hoping that people would pick them up along the way. When they did they would find it would be blank, this is my idea that if you are so closed to writing down something you are not going to get something back in return!
Visually the folded pieces of paper worked well and I would definitely like to go back to this project but alter it some how. I could maybe create a table inviting people to share their thoughts and make it very clear they will be read. This project was a nice back into term break and I thought doing something simple would be the best approach, and it was also very easy to clear up at the end of the day, which is all that the piece was supposed to be up for.
Over the week I began to find asking people very stressful and that they were not compliant. I also began to panic because I hadn't made it clear that these strips of paper were to be found and read again. I decided to not use the written strips of paper and began just folding blank pieces. I had no idea that there were so many precautions to take when involving people.
For the final piece I stuck the blank pieces of paper along the stairwell in the entrance to Chatham, hoping that people would pick them up along the way. When they did they would find it would be blank, this is my idea that if you are so closed to writing down something you are not going to get something back in return!
Visually the folded pieces of paper worked well and I would definitely like to go back to this project but alter it some how. I could maybe create a table inviting people to share their thoughts and make it very clear they will be read. This project was a nice back into term break and I thought doing something simple would be the best approach, and it was also very easy to clear up at the end of the day, which is all that the piece was supposed to be up for.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Site Project
After the Christmas break, and coming back to Uni, the course was set a one week brief, 'Site 2011'. The idea is to create a piece of work that has to be exhibited around the campus, but the challenge is to decide how and which space you will use, and why it is important that you used it.
I have began asking myself many questions as to what I have to consider and what I may do. Having worked with Video over the last term it is not immediately my first thought to do that. The execution of the piece seems only brief and I think I want to incorporate this 'one minute there, the next it's gone' into the piece.
My immediate ideas are to include people into the piece and ask them to write a thought down, and I will tie them to trees outside, as can be found with fortunes in Japan.
Images from:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3720536010_52a4824e93.jpg
http://www.traveladdicts.connectfree.co.uk/Japan/Images/paper_tied_on_tree_at_Heian_Shrine.jpg
I have began asking myself many questions as to what I have to consider and what I may do. Having worked with Video over the last term it is not immediately my first thought to do that. The execution of the piece seems only brief and I think I want to incorporate this 'one minute there, the next it's gone' into the piece.
My immediate ideas are to include people into the piece and ask them to write a thought down, and I will tie them to trees outside, as can be found with fortunes in Japan.
Images from:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3720536010_52a4824e93.jpg
http://www.traveladdicts.connectfree.co.uk/Japan/Images/paper_tied_on_tree_at_Heian_Shrine.jpg
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Bruce Nauman
When watching Bruce Naumans piece, I found it quite interesting in the idea and concept, and how he moves around the square. But this seems to me it would be more effective for me personally to see something like this live in a space. I think this is because I got impatient rather quickly and found myself skipping ahead to see what would happen. It seems to be that when watching videos online there is this subconscious rush to see the whole thing and get the information quickly. I think that when it comes to viewing this piece, how it is viewed definitely effects it. If i were to watch this in a lecture or see it live I think it's impact would be totally different.
On the subject of the nature of Naumans work, I can see some relations to my own current practice but also it has a totally different subject. He is performing to the camera, where as in my work I would like to think there is a much more honest approach and that the viewer understands what they are seeing in a 'it is what it is' aspect. I am not performing I am being honest and not putting on a show, as I am exploring the reality of our self projections and portrayals
On the subject of the nature of Naumans work, I can see some relations to my own current practice but also it has a totally different subject. He is performing to the camera, where as in my work I would like to think there is a much more honest approach and that the viewer understands what they are seeing in a 'it is what it is' aspect. I am not performing I am being honest and not putting on a show, as I am exploring the reality of our self projections and portrayals
Monday, 10 January 2011
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
New Year New Start
I feel I have definitely neglected my blog over the holidays but have set myself an action plan for this term:
Email Contacts for networking such as Nelly Ben Hayoun
I would also like to travel somewhere, and have been fortunate to have contacts in New York I wish to pursue.
Create a website of my work.
Continue making self portrait videos
Explore and research the different ways the videos can be portrayed what happens in them.
Set up a live Art Piece in the Link Gallery.
There is a lot I want to get fitted into this term.
The idea I have behind the live art piece is that people can walk past me, or stand and watch and I want to know how that makes me feel, being filmed at the same time. I like the idea of exploring total vulnerability, and I also want people to note down what they think of me whether they know me or not.
Email Contacts for networking such as Nelly Ben Hayoun
I would also like to travel somewhere, and have been fortunate to have contacts in New York I wish to pursue.
Create a website of my work.
Continue making self portrait videos
Explore and research the different ways the videos can be portrayed what happens in them.
Set up a live Art Piece in the Link Gallery.
There is a lot I want to get fitted into this term.
The idea I have behind the live art piece is that people can walk past me, or stand and watch and I want to know how that makes me feel, being filmed at the same time. I like the idea of exploring total vulnerability, and I also want people to note down what they think of me whether they know me or not.
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