Evaluation of Unit X

Throughout Unit X I focused on expanding upon the coding and narrative elements to my work which I begun in the practice unit. I wanted to develop a clearer narrative that could communicate my ideas coherently. I started this unit by continuing my research into ancient communication systems and written languages. I stumbled across an ancient Incan communication method called a Quipu. This used knots in rope to display numerical data. I liked the literal approach to knots having relevance to numbers so chose to investigate how knots can be used to display numerical data.

I identified early on that I am interested in installations and public art. I researched a range of installation artists who create environments within their work. Cornelia Parker’s Cold Dark Matter recently opened at the Whitworth Gallery, and influenced my decisions about light and shadow. I also found influence in Zimoun’s Wooden Pole Installation, which created a moving environment that could be walked around and interacted with. I found these elements of light shadow and interaction to remain consistent themes throughout the project.

After I graduate, I will be working freelance on a commission basis. To prepare myself for this, I entered a competition for a commission with The Art Playground, Cheltenham to create a dead end installation within a maze made from art. The experience taught me a lot about working to deadlines and turning a sketch into reality. I encountered a series of set backs in the two weeks I had to prepare for the install including materials being delivered to the wrong address, transport issues and construction. I also learnt that I work more effectively when I have a tight deadline a head of me. After consulting with a number of technicians and tutors, I developed and installed a piece based upon the Quipu, using numerical data that had a personal relevance to me. I collaborated with a photography student who filmed the piece for a video to be used within his portfolio and as marketing for me. This film is now on Youtube and my website to promote my practice.

I also entered the Vertical Gallery commission for the final degree show. I wanted to use this opportunity to expand my contacts and knowledge of working to commission whilst still having the support of a university environment. For this proposal, I revisited some of my development work in which I created a series of nets informed by numerical data. These created web-like structures that could be said to describe identity. I proposed for the entrance space and a smaller space on the third floor. Unfortunately the panel didn’t commission my original proposal, as I wanted to use a large amount of un-dyed synthetic rope that they felt didn’t correspond to my ideas about coding and communication effectively. However, they liked my series of identity nets drawn with yarn on paper and asked me to come back a week later to propose a series of these on a suspended wall space. In the second pitch, I showed the panel my collaborative video and they decided they wanted to include this, next to the series of identity nets.

I expanded my networks and industry knowledge by going to a number of enrichment talks including Luke Jerram and Susie McMurray. This has helped me realise how to work as a freelance artist and  earn a living after University. I also volunteered with Cabasa Carnival arts offering my skills to help manufacture a series of costumes. This has been a great opportunity to work on real life projects, as well as keeping my sewing skills fresh.

Throughout Unit X I have been refining my portfolio and realising the context of my work. I discovered that my practice is multifunctional. I see my work to be displayed in a gallery environment as I enjoy responding to contemporary issues with materials. However, I am aware that my work can be applied to a range of contexts to give it a functional application including architectural installation and jewellery. I am in the process of developing a series of visualisations to illustrate the broad range of contexts that my work could cover.

If I was to repeat the project, I would think more critically about the materials I used. I found myself to be more interested in the concept, than the materials. Next time, I would like the materials to inform more of my decisions. I ended up with excess materials that haven’t been relevant to the project or un usable in terms of quality. I learnt that I work best under pressure; from only having two weeks to complete the commission for The Art Maze, I made decisions faster and produced a large-scale piece of work in very little time. This has encouraged me to take on more commission-based work and given me the confidence to work freelance after graduation.

Online Portfolio and Presence

As part of finishing university it is important to have an accessible portfolio that shows a range of work. I am going to work freelance when I graduate so have chosen to make an online portfolio as this will be easier to promote myself and show my work to potential clients around the world. The full website can be found HERE

I have also dedicated some time to developing an online presence for myself. Social media is an incredibly successful method of improving my status. I focused on building a twitter and instagram account for my work which I hope will reach more people globally as I continue to update them. I have accumulated a number of followers on both so by regularly updating,  I can increase awareness of my practice.

Vertical Gallery Commission

As part of the degree show, there is an opportunity for students to showcase work in the entrance and cafe spaces of the school of art. I applied and pitched for this opportunity, as I would like to work to commission after I finish university. I proposed a series of nets to be displayed in two sites within the school of art. It was challenging to develop a proposal that could be displayed in the spaces as the university has very strict hanging restrictions and rules about what work is shown. I developed some visualisations in a variety of sites around the school of art to show how my idea could work.

After experimenting, I decided on two possible sites for my piece. I planned to create a series of identity nets from 16mm synthetic hemp rope and display them as an interactive installation that I would encourage visitors to the degree show to experience. The glass box site at the front of the building is a hotly contested site, but I feel this is a perfect site for an installation. One of the drawbacks is I cannot hang the ropes from the ceiling, however after speaking with the technicians, we have agreed that building a frame from 2x2 timber would be sufficient to support the weight. If we paint the structure black, it should blend into the industrial feel of the school of art and appear seamless.

I also proposed for a site on the third floor. This is a darker space that already has a hanging rail in place, which would be easier to suspend the ropes from. I ideally would like the lights angled to shine onto the floor to create an environment that can be interacted with and explored by visitors. I also visualised the possibility of using the spotlights already in place to create a shadow onto the wall behind. This version would be cheaper to produce and involve less nets, but still communicate the same ideas about identity, data and communication.

I had a mixed reaction from the pitch, with the main feedback being that the panel liked my concept, but not my execution. They have encouraged me to revisit my earlier net drawings and re pitch these. I struggled to get my head around this at first, as I have never produced something so simple as a final piece. After some experimentation, I put forward the idea of displaying six nets drawn on A2 paper. I changed the colours slightly to reflect the industrial colours of the school of art. I wanted to use a combination of student numbers, however all third year student numbers start with the same four numbers. I felt in using similar numbers the final effect would not display a range. I chose to use six numbers that have relevance to me. This way the final image will be a reflection of my identity. The panel really liked this new approach and have agreed to take my identity nets on. I also showed them the collaborative video I made for the art maze. They asked me to make some slight amendments to it and display this next to my net drawings. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity in pitching and presenting as it has enhanced my experience, portfolio and CV. 

Making Nets

One of the great things about winning the Art Maze commission was that I was able to see my work up in a space and evaluate how I can take the project further. In a few weeks I will be entering the vertical gallery commission but pitching a different piece so as not to repeat myself.

I experimented with net making earlier in the project, so have revisited this. I used similar data to inform the nets so each will be a visual expression of identity. I like how each net appears different and shows the variation of numerical data. I used a viscose thread on paper to create these drawings. I like how the code is formed through individuality and is communicated through a web like structure. Each shape varies and creates a clear visualisation of my concept.

11163191

1086937974

12088796

I also experimented with layering the nets on top of each other. By doing this I am creating a web of identity that reflects the dense environment that I want to build upon. I can see how I can use the rope I have to build these net structures and use within the degree show.

The Art Maze

The Art Playground, a collective based in Cheltenham, has commissioned me to create an installation for a maze made of art. The concept is that every wall and dead end is a different artwork. I was given two weeks to assemble and install the art work which proved to be challenging, but a brilliant experience in learning about working to commission and realising a vision.

I chose to create an installation based upon my latest work. I hung over 200m of synthetic hemp rope and tied knots within it to display numerical data that represented my identity. Each rope had one knot that corresponded to a number that has been assigned to me. I wanted it to be an interactive environment that could be totally immersed in. Shadows played a key part within my research so I really wanted to get some sort of reflection on the surrounding walls that could enhance the environment.

I encountered a few difficulties as expected when assembling the piece. Health and safety restrictions meant I could not make the piece across a walkway as the light bulbs would have to be out of reach. I instead used a dead end space to slim the chances of people walking through. If I was to do it again, I would conduct more light experiments as I was disappointed with the shadows produced. I did not anticipate the maze to be so well lit, so my light bulbs weren’t as effective as I hoped. I learnt a lot about working to a tight deadline and found myself to work most effectively when I have an imminent deadline. My rope was delivered to the wrong address, but this was easily resolved as I had ordered it far enough in advance that it could be redelivered. I also had to think carefully about how I would hang the piece, as there would be an immense amount of weight on the surrounding temporary walls. I originally planned to use a metal frame, but quickly realised that this would not be easily transportable as I only have access to a small car to get to Cheltenham in. A metal frame would also weigh a huge amount and as the walls were made from donated wood, I could not guarantee that they would support the weight of the frame and the rope. To solve this, I used tension wires, which are easily assembled and transportable and meant I had more freedom to build the work into the site.

I received plenty of positive feedback from the exhibition, and have been able to evaluate my ideas and realise where I can take the project next. I want to make a pitch to the university for a main site in the final degree show and through creating this installation, I will be able to move my idea on further and think about other ways I can display my concept of numbers and data.

I used this commission as an opportunity to expand upon my own practice by collaborating to create a video of my installation. As part of Unit X we are encouraged to collaborate with other art students to enhance our practice and learn more about other disciplines. I collaborated with a third year photography student to create a video about my work for the Art Maze. I will use this video on my website and within presentations as it displays my installation better than static photos. It was an experience to work with another person as I haven’t done this since first year. I encouraged him to film the ropes independently and then we sat down together to edit and refine the footage. I wanted the film to be a journey through the work so we began with close up shots and then slowly moved out to a final shot of the full piece. He encouraged me to incorporate text as this would add a more professional look.

Building

I spent this last week starting to build my installation. I have been investigating which knots and materials work best to communicate my concept. I asked woodwork to make me a metre square cube that I could use to put my work into and begin to create my installation. I ordered 60m of 20mm hemp rope. However I did not expect it to be so difficult to cut and tie. The ends also need attention as after I managed to cut it with a hacksaw, it began to fray. I need to find a solution to this problem otherwise the whole thing will look unfinished and potentially fall apart.

Shining a light onto the ropes produced abstract shapes within the space, I like this effect as it reflects the identity of the work onto an individual, referencing a barcode. I will need a high intensity light in order to create vivid shadows, but depending on the space of the final install, will determine the level of light needed and the level of shadows that can be produced. This rope is a 9mm polypropylene. It is very cheap and used in the construction industry. Due to its completely man made fibre content, it doesn't hang very straight but does block out all light producing strong shadows on surrounding walls.

Here, I have begun to manipulate the colours using Photoshop. I am interested in investigating dying the rope to create a colour palette, but am conscious of including unnecessary colour. The hemp I used has a natural colour quality to it that would be a shame to dye over. It is also very thick so dye may not take to it. However a smaller 10mm rope would hopefully dye easily and create a visually appealing hanging.

Installation Research

I will be creating an installation environment for the final degree show that shows my ideas about identity and data. I have been researching installation environments that I like in order to inspire and inform me. I like spaces that engulf people and exist all around. I like environments that reflect upon individuals and immerse them within the subject.

Random International, Rain Room 2012

This environment is confusing yet totally immerses you within the art. The rain cleverly bounces off individuals so as not to get them wet. You can stand in the rain without feeling the effects of it. This is the culmination of years of research, tests and development and shows how an abstract idea can be made a realistic invention.

Antony Gormley

These environments are like mazes. They create disorientation and confusion through complex pattern and shape. I want to create a space that surrounds the viewer and engages people with my concept. 

BLIND LIGHT, 2007

CLEARING IV, 2005

FIRMAMENT III, 2009

Cornelia Parker Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991)

I visited this installation currently in exhibition at the Whitworth Art Gallery. It is one of Cornelia Parkers most celebrated works. It shows an exploded shed centred around a light bulb. The use of light and shadow gives the installation movement and captures the explosion in time. I love how the work reflects upon individuals closer to the work and immersing them within it.

I imagine the audience of my work to be creative practitioners, gallery goers and other art students. I am communicating a concept that is concerned with contemporary issues, which is something that others can also respond too. I like the idea of exhibiting work across the country and informing others about contemporary issues within a modern society.