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Exhibition Prep / Experimentation
In the run-up to the Degree Show Exhibition, I’m in the Shaun Project Space experimenting with how my work can look outside of a studio context.
My work, as always, is based on the idea of exploration of the situational space, and my interaction with that space. I decided to take my string installations and using plaster bandages, I created moulds/casts of the installations. This generated sculptures which gave the appearance of a sort of bone structure, the bone structure of some mythical creature, or as I interpreted it, the bone structure of the space itself. A physical representation of the room and how my interactions created a solid form.
Using these newly made sculptures, and as part of my course, I headed to the Shaun Project Space to see how these pieces would interact with each other in an exhibition context. A few different outcomes came from this experience, giving me a new look at my own work. The benefit of seeing the work outside a studio context is beyond words, it is recommended that all students and practicing artists should view and experiment with their work in an exhibition-like space, just to get an idea of how the work can evolve in a different context.
Below is a range of images showing how my work can be displayed in an exhibition format. This will probably not be how the work will be displayed come the exhibition.
Artist Quote – Henry David Thoreau
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see”
– Henry David Thoreau
This quote describes what I want people to think when they see my work. I don’t set out an idea when I make artworks, I create the piece and then set out a meaning, of why I made the piece. This is the typical standard of when you’re studying art though. But when I come to exhibit my work, I always value the viewers opinion over my own. I prefer the viewer to create their own view of the work, and I enjoy hearing what they think they see, it interests me to understand how other people think, rather than forcing my opinion onto them.
Project Three – Assessment Installation
So after a period of time of having no real idea of what my project is, or what I should be doing, I finally dug myself out of the hole and got this piece up in the Shaun Space. After my mid-term assessment I was left feeling unsure about my project, about what I do for art; after the Christmas break I learnt that what I do is, I show the audience my exploration of the space through the use of materials. All this time I’ve said that I like to explore the space, move through it, create something from what the space tells me; yes, that is what I do, but the installation is a direct message to the audience of the journey I have made within the space.
The Ideas which come and go are a feature within the work, certain aspects of the piece are made from plans or ‘try-outs’ to see how I can explore the space. So after not really having much of an idea of what to do or where to go, I will be following my instincts, and let the space tell me what to do. I will be creating more work in a similar fashion, and by that I mean, something that is different every time, not a the same work I made 3 years ago.
Project Two – Final Piece
Hi everyone! This is my final piece and also my exhibition piece for Project Two. Unfortunately the exhibit has been and gone, but here are some photo’s of my piece at the exhibit. I will be posting a full catalog of the exhibit later on.
This project has evolved over time from wanting to create my own imaginary world, to wanting to explore space through interactivity. This project is a continuation from project one, and has become something else in its own rights. I had a lot of fun during this project and I’m so happy from the outcome. I can’t wait for my second year at university where I’ll have even more freedom to make what I want.
As always, I hope you enjoy.
Railston Artworks 