Do we have an advantage to this distanced online was of interpretation and looking and thinking with practice?
I’m not sure. I have always thought that experiencing an artwork in real life gives the full impact of the art and that it can’t be achieved through viewing a photo or video of the same art. During this MA however, I have witnessed how our cohort has communicated by means of photo’s and video’s very successfully. I feel that one advantage of an online presence is it’s ease and the ability to show more context like video and sound and writing alongside the art. This would ask for much more effort if it was done in a physical setting. A digital approach opens up possibilities of incorporating interactive digital methods like AR etc.
I enjoyed the way this was presented. The curator’s voice was clear, assertive and confident as she walked us through the exhibition. One of the first things that grabbed my attention was the fact that repeated motives and visual connections were made using butterfly wings. With my own interest in moths and the various colours and patterns on their wings, this grabbed my attention. I’m still not sure how I will keep everything pulled together. It was good to be reminded that it needs to have that element.
Further reflection:
The exhibition was uncluttered and each item seemed to have generous space to be appreciated. I think this is an important aspect to keep in mind. In terms of feeling close or distant. I guess it would have had a different impact had I been there in person but given the fact that the camera took ample time to show each item as well as a few close up shots, this made the exhibition feel close and understood. I would have liked to have more control over how long I can look at each piece. I do however feel there was enough time for my eyes and thoughts to wander and wonder while watching.
In the basement the series of sculptures titled ‘Mammals’ grabbed my attention. I have always been drawn to imperfection (even though I can often be a perfectionist…). I love the idea that these vessles were thrown on the floor, then fired and installed with a very different purpose. ‘They tread the line between body and object.’
The large hinge shaped forms scattered around the exhibition grabbed my attention, because I like the fact that they turn the building itself into an object. How they bring attention to places you would normally ignore. It is just great to think you can bring attention to the space in which you exhibit. I also enjoyed Theaster Gates ‘Sound cube’ – with the square box around it. The way it was displayed really focused your attention on it and I loved how it made a strong ending statement to the exhibition.
The three things I will take away from this experience:
- As someone who often start my concepts with TOO much and then need to narrow them down, it was good once again to see that LESS IS MORE. I think it was great to have space around each object and not too many artworks in one area. I am by no means a minimalist but I always think of what is distracting or fighting for attention in an artwork. Now I will give attention to it as I curate and exhibition as well.
- As mentioned earlier I enjoyed how the flawed vessles (as well as sculptures) were displayed in a non traditional way. I would like to think of ways I can do this with my own vessels.
- To start and end an exhibition with strong pieces and clear articulation. Also to find a way that threads everything together.
I think it is very helpful to look at as many exhibitions as possible at this stage (especially online/digital exhibitions).