In my last essay I have decided to examine the term ‘participation’ when it is used by artists in their practices. It is very interesting how audience participation has become such a great part of the contemporary art scene. And it was very enlightening to discover how this is a reflection of the time we live in. Life in our society is very much dictated by instant access to information through the technological appliances such as computers, mobiles and televisions. This quick pace has meant that we now expect instant answers. We are all individuals with individual needs and ideas which creates a very ‘selfish’ society. We don’t need to see ‘real’ people; everything can be done from the comfort of your own home, no need at all to get out. Everything from shopping to dating and socializing can be done in the virtual world. By letting the audience participate in a piece of art will give them this instant and very personal experience of art.
This is exactly what I want with my piece for the Degree Show. I want the audience to enter the tunnel and the experience of being in it. I won’t be able to control what will happen to every single person who enters, because they all bring their own life experience with them. It will be interesting to see if people will enter the tunnel at all, or they will remain outside. I have decided that the title for the piece will be ‘Roots’; I think that captivates the idea behind the piece. It is about family and relationships within families so I think that it is the right title.
