Unit X

For my final project of third year I chose to expand upon the theme and concept that I was investigating in the practice unit. I want to further investigate how information can be communicated and alternatives to a written text. My starting point for this came about through an ancient Incan Quipu, which was used to communicate numerical data across the country. It is a series of knots within ropes, with the size of the knot corresponding to a number.

Incan Quipu

Knot experiments

I used this to address the issue of how in contemporary culture, numbers are assigned to us to define us. I have made a long list of all of the numbers that reference me and used this knot system to visually illustrate myself. I feel through material experiments and colour development, I can create a large-scale installation that is personal yet informative. I am going to make a pitch for the vertical gallery in the art school, as this is a large open space with plenty of windows that can cause shadows to create an environment that illustrates my concept.

https://vimeo.com/119456298

This installation by Swiss artist Zimoun using motors and wood that systematically move up and down. The sound created by the wood is surprisingly soothing and satisfying. I like how this can be walked around and absorbed by the viewer and the rhythm and sound creates an environment of repetition and interaction. I want to further investigate how installation can be used to show an idea and absorb and audience within it.

I have also been researching into alternative written texts and languages. Morse code is an interesting one as it is not only a visual but a sound. I illustrated my student number, phone number and ucas number using morse code. I like this printed surface and how it references sound. I would like to develop a way of linking sound and visuals together if it is necessary to at a later stage.

Evaluation of Practice Unit

Throughout this unit I have expanded upon and developed my skills in process and concept. I have been focused on creating pieces of work that reflect upon my time spent travelling. I developed a code that reads like a written language, forming a narrative to my work. This lead me to create an abstract series of motif style patterns that reflect upon my memories. Abstraction has heavily influenced me to create a visual map of my journey. My experiments with material has lead me to develop a surface that can be applied in a variety of settings. I have used this to illustrate my memories, but this could also be used as a print and as a surface manipulation.

I have also begun to think about the context of my work. The book, Mapping the Terrain, helped me to think more conceptually about my work and how I can display it. I entered two live projects, one commission based and the other design based. Although I did not win, I learnt a lot about presentation, consolidating my ideas, and talking about them succinctly. I have also been able to think further about life after university. I enjoy making so have volunteered to help with the company Cabasa Carnival arts in the coming weeks. I hope to continue to enter commission based live projects including the vertical gallery opportunity for the degree show.

In the next unit I would like to develop upon the concept of communication and investigating other cultures. My starting point will be the Inca communication method known as Quipu. This is a series of ropes with knots, which reads like a written language to transfer messages across the country.

Visualisations

I have created a series of visualisations to demonstrate the context of my work. I see my work to be in a public site. Using Photoshop, I have placed it in a variety of scenarios. Firstly, I have used a gallery environment. The Kraak Gallery in the Northern Quarter is a great place for up and coming artists to showcase their work. It is tucked away down an alley but often has innovative and interesting works from local and young artists. I imagine my work to be a series of large scale samples, each telling the story of a different day.

Nexus Art Cafe is another great place for young artists to get their work seen around Manchester. It is a local hangout for many people in the creative industry. The relaxed interior is an inviting environment which I feel balances my work well.

Night and Day Cafe is a live music venue in the Northern Quarter. In the day time, it has a relaxed environment similar to Nexus. It attracts a different crowd but its historic reputation means it is rarely empty. It walls are full of art and I feel the colour pallet of my work compliments the sometimes gloomy atmosphere.

Public spaces are also an environment in which this work could sit in. I have applied my work to an airport lounge where large art pieces are often found. My concept and ideas can easily be altered and applied to a site where a range of people visit. This location is an opportunity to showcase ideas that will uplift and attract attention as well as be visually appealing to the passers by.

Final Samples

My final colour palette has been made from found colours. I associate a green landscape and blue skies with my time in New Zealand so wanted to include these touches of colours to accentuate the otherwise black and grey colours.

I have created several final samples, to finalise and showcase my ideas. I wanted the final collection to have a professional feel to it so felt I needed to address the issue of the edges. Although I liked the landscape aspect, I feel it makes the work look cheap. To solve this problem, I have chosen to fold the edges over with iron on interfacing.

I have created two large and four smaller pieces to show how I can present my ideas of context and multiples. Each one will tell a different story so it is important to have a multiple of final samples. However, it isn’t necessary at this stage to make one for everyday I was travelling, so I have chosen to make two large ones for now. In Unit X I can explore the idea of finishing the series if I see fit for the degree show in June.

Journey to Milford Sound, the 8th wonder of the world.

Climbing Mount Etna in Auckland.

Mount Etna & Hot Water Beach

Milford Sound & Wellington