Filed under: session | Tags: critique, exhibition, feedback, response, review
Scott Green, head of subject for art at Derby University cam to talk with us about the Connect exhibition. within the gallery space he gave his first impressions and then went onto speak in detail about each part of the display and individual’s work.
The questions and responses were helpful in allowing me to develop an overall view of the show as well as some insight into a first reaction from an outsider to my work. This will be used to add to my exhibiting module assignment 2 – critical review.
The group met to discuss the practical and operational issues around the Connect exhibition. It didn’t really feel like much work on our part as Maggie Warrn had a list of tasks / considerations to which we had to made decisions. This part of the session seemed to go without a hitch – all of the group agreed on aspects relating to comments books, invitations, timing for the provate view, sales and insurance.
Things became a little more tense when it came to making the model of the gallery and scaling our works down so we could see how it fits in the space. It was at this point we realised how cluttered the gallery was likely to be. Each member of the group had their own requirements: wall space, plinths, lighting, privacy, viewing distance… This was resolved through Maggie overseeing the basic requirements and then negotiations between individuals.
From my perspective, because I remained flexible I ended up compromising and in situation where I feel my work is not in a space that is conducive to what I am trying communicate through the display. I am placed next to work that is large, bright and overpowering, my work is small, detailed and intimate – I just don’t think it is going to work.
I will see arrange to see Maggie before the session next week to see if anything can be done to make this mismatch less obvious.
In my visit to London for New Year celebrations we went fo a trip to the V&A. The main reason was for an exhibition on the life and work of LEE MILLER. It was fascinating to see how she managed her various roles as model, photographer and journalist and how each role fed and informed the others. Due the nature of the media, the show was very ‘clean’ and information was limited to text panels at key stages of Lee Miller’s life.
There was also a free exhibition showing, entitled OUT OF THE ORDINARY: SPECTACULAR CRAFT. This was an unexpected and exciting surprise. I was not previously familiar with any of the 7 makers in the show and came away with a very different idea of how craft can be seen in a gallery space. Each piece was more of an installation rather than a craft object (i.e. for sale, for use, for decoration alone). Each artist used craft techniques to make large scale pieces that were fascinating and beautiful. The show made me think about the scale of the objects I make and how these larger pieces serve a completely different purpose. Craft skills + fine art ideas.
I was particularly taken with ANNE WILSON and her lacemaking skills used to create a landscape which for me had strong links with mapping and the imagination children have when drawing treasure maps. Her creation of animations using pins and threads with wonderful soundtracks were mesmerising yet simple.
My ‘take home’ item from th show would have to be one of ANNIE CATTRELL‘S glass pieces from ‘Conditions’ (or all of them). They were so delicate yet solid.
Filed under: session | Tags: arts people, collaboration, documenting, event, exhibition, free stuff, making notes, space
Niki Russell was on the Connect course a few years ago. He spoke about his experience beyond the gallery. Here’s what he is doing now: REACTOR
It was engaging, but after having had 2 previous sessions led by fine arts focussed speakers I am starting to want more of a crafts input from the sessions. It’s interesting how, knowing that the course covers a number of disciplines, few of the speakers see the need to find out what we do and tailor their talk to the group mix.
Useful pointers included : how to negotiate the use of a space to exhibit in : how to get a mixture of arts and non-arts people in your audience : making notes of other artist’s work you like so you can approach them for future shows : getting things done for free – flyers, refreshments… : thinking about the way in which you show your work : documenting your event : taking a collaborative or committee approach
Filed under: organisation, session | Tags: Bank's Mill, Derby, exhibiting, exhibition, group, spaces, venues
The session today was really helpful. I am really keen to have the exhibition feel like it gels and give each member of the group an equal platform for their work. As with any mixed group it is interesting to see how there are some stronger characters who have very dfinite ideas about what they want and others are happier to take a back seat. These positions will change over time I expect, especially when the work is closer to completion and it can be visualised in the space.
Jane Bevan’s introduction to exhibiting and the variety of spaces was really eye-opening and I had ideas whizzing around about the potential of my work in all sorts of spaces. Whilst I have been and seen work displayed in all of the types of venues / non-exhibition venues she spoke about, I suppose I never considered any of them as an option for me. That sounds a bit short-sighted, but until now I have not known what I am about in terms of what I produce. It has made me keen to get out there and see as much as I can, this time with the ‘this could be me’ hat on and see what it opens up. First step is BANK’S MILL open studios in Derby on the weekend.
