Curating the degree show.
Although I was focused on still producing work, three weeks before the degree show commences, one thing which has taken a lot of my attention, is how I planned on displaying them in the space that I was provided with, in order to make sure that they compliment each other, and did not distract from one and other.
It took some time for me to find a suitable position for my projection and screens – Heavy Footprints, initially, I wanted to place it as close to the entrance as possible, so that the audience was forced to engage with it, but after consideration, I thought this could cause an issue if the viewers wanted to wait and watch the video, as they could cause congestion. Instead I decided that the piece be installed in the corner opposite the entrance, at an angle so that it is facing into the middle of the room, not only would this provide space for any who wished to view the entire film, but it also seemed as though it belonged there, in comparison to the initial set up. Some problems that occurred when positioning it here however was how it left the projector and laptop displayed to the viewer as they entered the room, and so I decided to create a barrier out of cardboard boxes, as I believed that they matched the aesthetics of the screen, and also spoke of waste materials.
I decided that my gravity fed aquaponics system, which I have titled Time to Reflect should take center focus, as It is the one piece which I had dedicated the majority of my time to, and is also visually interesting from many angles. As previously mentioned, one other piece – Put a cork in it, will pair with this work, as I hope to create a bit of dialogue between the two sculptures. My reason for doing so is to hopefully make my audience consider how we take our fresh drinking water, and the systems installed to provide that for granted. On one side, there is the tap, but without a function, and on the other, a functioning system of running water being recycled into itself.
Looking beyond Time to Reflect, brings you to the Diversity series, along with another – Doesn’t compare, which was needed to provide some energy for the plants within itself and Regulation. In an Ideal world, I would not have liked to exhibit both Heavy Footprints and Regulation in the same place, as low lighting conditions were neccessary for the projector, but higher lighting levels would be more beneficial for the plants.
On the walls left bare, I then decided to pin-up some of my designs of Time to Reflect, so that it would bring the focus back to the central work.
Making my own decisions.
Whilst preparing for the degree show, I thought it would be beneficial to discuss my work with my peers and have regular tutorials with my lecturers, in order to discover how others understood my work. As much as I was hoping to be able to take on board most what was directed at me, I soon found myself becoming more confused, and discovered that in fine art, you simply cannot please everyone.
It was in learning this, that I realised I must be the one to make the decisions, wether or not to trust my gut instinct, or to take one persons advice on an idea.
