Final show layout experimentation

Written Paper

When beginning the MA, my initial intention was to explore objects and mediums in order to intervene in image-making. Looking at the resonance of both material and image and how to use this imagery to create some sort of visual dialogue between the two. Employing a diverse range of material including slide projections, photographic prints onto Styrofoam and objects to explore ideas of sculptural installation, image and setting. Questioning how the tactility of the mediums used communicate within the work and what then happens to the material in the process that may influence the reading. Through this use of mixed media experimentation, I began looking at modes of display and composition. 

The selection process of choosing specific imagery to work with has become extremely significant within my current work. After experimenting with domestic set ups, using quite personal images of family and  then generic landscape images alongside quite random objects, I have decided for my final project to escape the inclusion of the figurative and use visuals slightly less personal as I want them to contain a degree of ambiguity and uncertainty. 
After attempting to print onto other materials such as polystyrene, this has not been quite as successful as my original foam printing technique; therefore I have decided to continue using polyurethane foam as my predominant material within these assemblages. Exploring this idea of sentiments put into the material and archiving memories. I have constructed a series of objects combining random shapes of polyurethane and wood. This additional support acts as an unconventional framing for the image. I plan to incorporate these within a large scale ‘backdrop’ visual in order to offer alternative dimensions. This work will be part of an enquiry into how we encounter and experience images and how images relate to sculptural objects.

Following my graduation at Camberwell, I have been shortlisted to partake in an exhibition for the Saatchi New Sensations prize 2012, which takes place in October, during Frieze week. This however clashes with a residency in Malta organised by one of my fellow classmates, which I have also committed to. I am hoping to join the group a couple of days later so that I can still participate.

The residency is a two week long programme run by an organisation called MILKSHAKE. The workshop will provide an opportunity for us to develop our practices personally or in collaboration if we choose to do so. The first week of the residency will be dedicated to meeting some of the local artists and the making of work, and the second week will be focused on the set up of the exhibition leading to the private view and opening of 'Ogygia'. 

 After the residency and Saatchi exhibition, I am hoping to find a studio somewhere in London so that I am able to continue developing my practice. Alongside the continuation of making work I would like to find a job based in a small non commercial gallery or an artist-run project space. I have had experience working as a gallery invigilator but would hope to find something slightly more challenging and more involved with the artwork itself.  

Degree show prototype print

The ironing lady

Construction (1)

  

My first construction from the series Constructions; both social and other, has been compared to a segment of a painting by French artist Pierre Bonnard 'The Mediterranean' (Triptych), 1911 - as shown above. 

Karla Black Love

Ever since I began incorporating mixed media into my practice, I have been very much influenced by the work of Karla Black, and the way in which she encompasses something in between painting and sculpture. I think part of the appeal of her works lies in the contrast between their fragility and the monumentality they often possess. Her raw materials function so beautifully without much interference; insisting she chooses them purely on an aesthetic basis, experimenting and playing with in the way children handle their material world. I wish i could have made it to see her solo exhibition at the Venice Biennale. 

Someone elses

Since my tutorial with Jessica, I have been in a bit of a quandary with regards to image selection for the final show. If i categorise the specific image types I have used throughout the course so far, it would be like so 

- Figurative & objects (personal of family)

- Landscapes/places

-Sites/buildings/objects 

I recently came back into contact with an old friend after looking through her photographs documenting a trip she had been on recently. I was intrigued by her images because she had presented two separate snapshots together to make up a whole. I was curious to know why she had done this, whether it was deliberate or just the camera being used. However, i didn't ask her because i felt i could adopt these images and present them to portray my own personal interpretation. Using the foam structures to explore a narrative physically.