exhibitions

Below are images from exhibitions I have recently visited. They observe the way the gallery space is organised, a task our group will shortly be addressing.

Mapplethorpe at the Alison Jacques gallery

a video at the end showed a man twirling in two bits of fabric whilst the small

speakers on either side of the display echoed odd tapping sounds 

 the gallery utilised these glossy surfaces and mirrors to exaggerate the exhibition space, they complimented it well

Analogue exhibition at Riflemaker Gallery

interesting method of presentation

the work was hung with bulldog clips that were pined to the wall 

Alptraum at Cell Project Space

hidden at the end of the gallery a TV & sound system pumped out live music

hung claustrophobically the presentation compliments the exhibitions theme of dreams

the glass reflected the ceiling and the viewer which distorted the work, poor presentation. However artists could argue deeper metaphors pertaining to reflection of the self within the work. For me it remains an unpleasent viewing experience.

the work was hung using magnets

Robert Gumpert at The Host Gallery

why make art?

“If you’re not dispossessed why make art?” Mike Mills



A film that caught my eye recently is Beautiful Losers. It’s a documentary about a group of artists who came to fruition in NYC through various subculture movements in the early 1990’s. The documentary explores the lives and careers of the artists within the group, interviewing several of its members, including; Phil Frost, Chris Johanson, Margaret Kilgallen, Harmony Korine, Mike Mills and Ed Templeton. There are also sections within the feature that observe how the group exhibits its work and the preparation that goes into holding these exhibits.

It is now being streamed in several parts at Babelgum Metropolis,
www.babelgum.com/beautifullosers

I feel the documentary provides a powerful insight into a myriad of art mindsets, as well as shedding light on self promotion and exhibiting art. All of which can prove beneficial for our own artistic endeavours and group exhibition.

Do not wait for your ship to come in - swim out to it

The ground keeps shifting beneath our feet. The air thick with good intention keeps the discourse tethered on a positive wave. It’s an exciting time. With no place to house our exhibition* the horizon has changed and we now scurry around in a new light, seeking new opportunities. I believe everything is possible.

Yesterday the group decided upon a name for the exhibition: this is what it is. I’ve been throwing ideas around in photoshop to aid our promotional campaign. Although nothing is certain and these ideas may be superseded, their importance is to contribute toward our motivation.

As a design having the name split into two different colours implies diversity, whist retaining a cohesive whole enforces themes of structure and support. The grey text against a white backdrop holds a neutral simplicity, a crisp freshness, adhering to a no nonsense sensibility. Having the "this is" text just visible is a deliberate ploy attempting to provoke further interest from a viewer as they observe the design. I am considering darkening the "this is" text slightly to allow a more obvious reading and I will post further additions to the design here on the blog. These designs are in no way final pieces and are fully open to debate. 

*news of our group exhibition and any promotional material designed or attributed to it will also feature in this blog, as part of our outcome criteria is that we design a poster for our exhibition. We are currently looking for a venue to help showcase our work, designing promotional material and considering sponsorship to fund the exhibition.