- Venue
- Stockport Art Gallery
- Location
Can the idea that ‘the machine is the idea that makes the art'* make the art?* Sol Lewitt
This is the type of question that preoccupies Tenneson & Dale, two artists who are obsessed with constrictive systems of order that rule our lives.
Cherry and Nicola – yes these two are real people with human names, not washing machines, or fridges or solicitors as the names Tenneson & Dale suggest – have recognised the institutional framework for their own working practice. The practice has three strands:Governmental Statistics, Public Information Signage, and Minimalism, which is why it's been christened, ‘Order Order'.
During a recent meeting with Tenneson & Dale, I couldn't help but get the feeling that these artists were playing some kind of role and we were all taking part in the strange system that is applying for an exhibition, with the sending in of obscure proposal (a piece of art in its own right in this case) to the meetings that follow. Interesting, that even the exhibition process is a kind of framework, a system of control, a series of hoops that artists have to jump through just to have their work seen.
I find these pieces very satisfying – which is worrying really – this is not the kind of work I normally like – I find myself thinking about how lovely the straight edges are – about how perfectly the vinyl has been cut and how deliciously smooth the surface is – I worry about the cravings for perfection and precision that ensues – I want my life to be full of straight edges and neat boxes – I want to know what's round the corner – I want to be able to control everything – and be clear and focused and sure.
I love the fact that the artists'opinion of institutional frameworks is not made clear. Even though this show seems to be about clarity and definition, there is ambiguity about the emotions behind the work that must drive it. There is a definite fascination, a love/hate relationship – an obsession and frustration with order. They are controlled by a system they have created and yet there is humour in the work, as they poke fun at themselves and the inane institutions that inspire them.
Contemporary Crafts (mmu) graduate, working 9-5 within the arts whilst continuing my art practice.
