New Works: Consumed & Consumed #2
Consumed is a collection of found and recycled objects, gathered and stripped of any identifiable labelling. These consumerist objects are displayed within three large perspex cases. Underneath each of the vitrines, powerful light boxes emit primary colours that soak the plastics and radiate vibrant hues that bleed together on nearby walls. Lowering our gaze inside the light boxes, the ethereal reflections further distorts our visual perceptions of the objects and singular case. In elevating these mundane objects by directly appropriating museological display methods, such as the vitrine and systems of ordering/classifying objects, West asks us to consider the inherent beauty that emerges in these gatherings. – Jack Welsh, 2013
Consumed
Installation (Fluorescent bulbs, wood, acrylic, foil, objects)
100cm (W) x 100cm (D) x 75cm (H) [x 3]
2013
Consumed was commissioned for Barnaby Festival, Macclesfield. The work responded site-specifically to an empty shopping unit in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.
Consumed #2
Installation (Fluorescent bulbs, wood, acrylic, foil, objects)
100cm (W) x 100cm (D) x 225cm (H)
2013
As part of West’s continuing studio practice, the reinterpretation of materials and past works is paramount to the development of new ideas. In Consumed #2 West has adapted and reconfigured an installation responding site-specifically and spatially to Victoria Warehouse of the exhibition Synthesis, part of Manchester Science Festival. Exploring colour theory, sensory impact and intensity of light saturation, West intrigues and captivates viewers by utilizing everyday items and turning them into new sculptural forms.
Synthesis exhibition install
Curator of Synthesis, Tracie Shaylor had visited and seen recent work at Bury Light Night and immediately wanted me in the show. The in-depth colour theory that I employ in all my light works ties in neatly with the exhibition being part of Manchester Science Festival.
I am most excited by site-specific work. If I was to be part of this exhibition I wanted my ideas to be responsive to the space. With that in mind last Thursday I was given a tour of the ground floor exhibition space at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse. I had been keen to get into the space for some time and didn’t want to waste this opportunity.
Upon entering the exhibition space I was blown away by the possibilities for new work, my mind started racing. Tracie had ear-marked two particular spaces for my work, upon inspection they are not the easiest to work with, but these are the spaces I am excited by the most. I like a challenge.
One of the spaces was in front of a vast window looking on to the main road past the Warehouse. A light-work would defiantly attract passers-by and act as an advertisement for the show. I aim to rework the recent commission I made for Macclesfield’s Barnaby Festival by stacking the light boxes on top of each other instead of presenting them side-by-side. Configured this way it would lend itself to the space and illuminate the nearby white walls.
The second space is within the main exhibition hall. A set of blue railings guard a drop down to the floor below; this was the space I had to respond to! In this site-specific installation conceived specially for Synthesis, I will systematically arrange numerous multicoloured fluorescent stick-lights. The title of work is taken from Josef Albers text ‘Interaction of Colour’, where it is explained that a direct mixture of projected light demonstrates an additive mixture where the sum of all colours in light is white. I am super excited about it and as with most of my installations, you have to see them in the flesh to fully appreciate.
I can’t wait to install these works and perhaps see you at the preview on Thursday evening?
Drawing in On Brown & Violet Grounds
I showed drawings for the first time EVER in recent solo show On Brown & Violet Grounds. A lot of my drawings are now inspiring sculptural work…
“Drawing in On Brown & Violet Grounds The relationship between the sculptor and the act of drawing is a highly personal affair. Technical drawings are, predominately, confined to a studio notebook – never to be exhibited but indispensible in the struggle of translating ideas into concrete outcomes. As creative endeavour itself, drawing forges a path to artistic truth, as this quote from sculptor Barbara Hepworth on the critical need for drawing explains: ‘…I search for forms and rhythms and curvatures for my own satisfaction…but it is in a general sense – that is – out of the drawings springs a general influence.’ 4 The ‘general influence’ that Hepworth suggests elucidates the power of drawing to sculptural practice: each mark influences, informs and nourishes the artistic process. However drawing shouldn’t be confined to paper based activity. During the creation of her work – whether drawing on paper or arranging the order of fluorescent sticklights on a concrete floor – West uses each element as an exploratory tool; experimenting with colour and space until the work is harmonious with its surroundings.”
– Jack Welsh, 2013
I can’t believe it was exactly a week since Bury Light Night. Time is flying! I made a new work specially for the event, details of which are in this special blog post.
NEW WORK:
An Additive Mixture
T5 fluorescent sticklights
Variable dimensions
2013
In this site-specific installation work, specially conceived for Bury Light Night, West has systematically arranged numerous multicoloured fluorescent stick-lights in an empty retail unit. The title of work is taken from Josef Albers text ‘Interaction of Colour’, where it is explained that a direct mixture of projected light demonstrates an additive mixture where the sum of all colours in light is white.
An Additive Mixture is a sculptural interpretation of a recent work-on-paper where West has considerately positioned and orchestrated the lights as a direct response to details in the space. The relationship between the different hues is apparent through West’s attraction and understanding of colour theory.
For those who weren’t able to make it to my recent solo presentation On Brown & Violet Grounds in Manchester, here are yet more images, video and description of another new work:
NEW WORK
Dispersion of White
Installation (T5 fluorescent sticklights, acrylic, paint tins)
Variable dimensions, this image shows 150cm (W) x 140cm (D) x 30cm (H)
2013
A sizeable sheet of Perspex has been laid over an assortment of fluorescent sticklights. Your eyes begin to assess the situation. Unsurprisingly, the vivacious sheet of Perspex transfixes them; red, blue and yellow all fluidly bleed into each other without any clear delineation. The robust form of the sticklights project out from underneath the Perspex, like a glimpse at the inner workings of a complex industrial machine. You notice that four circular discs hold up the sheet; they are humble paint pots. Dispersion of White opens up a dialogue between the work and the practice of painting. The subtle introduction of the paint pot is a loaded gesture. Is the surface of the Perspex a comment on painterly sensibility?
– Jack Welsh, 2013
