Jane McGrath 5th August 2009
So in light of my dissertation question I have naturally been thinking about spaces of liminality within the Chameleon project. This was proving difficult at home as I had seeemingly lost the memory of the experience of taking part. It was only coming down on the train today that for some reason it all came flooding back – I was very glad that I took the time to take part in the filming process during Tina’s March residency as being able to relate to the experience of the user is important.
To begin I think that when actively involved in research, an artist is often existing in a liminal state . During this residency Tina is both participating in the process of research by way of collecting data and by way of the process of collaborative construction, she is at the same time observing the process. She is, I think both artist , researcher , collaborator and project manager and exists in a space of constant flux moving between thresholds whilst existing in the spaces inbetween. In these roles the artist can consider her self both in relation to others as well as to her positioning in relation to the research material. I am wondering whether it is by way of the unique ( quiet/still ?) space of just being that exists between all of these roles and functions, the space when she does not function in any mediated role – when there is a kind of temporal disruption – the pregnant pause before – where new and unimagined ideas, perspectives and solutions are born?
What really fascinates me about liminal spaces is the potential for unimagined change, the potential to disrupt power relations, change perspective.
“Betwixt and Between, the “realm of pure possibility” and structural invisibility. ” (Victor Turner on Liminality)
So I am excited by learning how to construct spaces that are experiential, emotionally and intellectually – exploring emotions that have the potential to make you think. Those moments when pennies drop, the “oh I see’ ‘ the internal wow” Moments that empower and potentially change your life – you may come out changed.
Constructing Empowerment.
