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.

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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.