Artists are well used to hearing the phrases ‘Well, It’s Different’ or ‘Hmmm Interesting’ that seem to convey an element of negativity or disdain when observing pieces that might not fit within the ‘normal’ sphere of artistic experience. That isn’t to say that the observer is wrong to have that opinion, all experiences are valid and art is very subjective!
What art should do, it is suggested, is convey a sense of ‘something’ – pleasure, concern, the uncanny and occasionally shock! Freud uses the phrases ‘heimlich’ and ‘unheimlich’ to describe that sense of being disconcerted by a certain painting or sculptural form or where the familiar is placed in an unfamiliar setting. Challenging our views or opinions is one of the greatest things that art can do, sometimes too overtly, but a lot of times subtly, making us look in different ways and extract something positive from that challenge.
In creating pieces for this exhibition the artists have embraced the ‘different’ aspect and have looked at alternative ways of conveying their emotion and message to the viewer. The use of sound, light and suspension will create an immersive environment that is often not seen in contemporary galleries, thereby making the whole thing different! There will be an encouragement to handle some of the pieces or touch them to feel the texture which in itself will create that closeness to the art work beyond mere observation.
The whole aim of the exhibition is present work that does challenge the observer but in an inclusive and immersive way and if that succeeds then we will have done our job.
The exhibition features;
Annie Watts
Annie Watts recently completed her BA (Hons) in Fine Art, a challenging and exciting period of growth that reshaped her creative direction. Her earlier practice centred on painting and drawing, with occasional exploration of clay, which gradually became the focus of her final degree exhibition.
Her current work explores the visceral and sensory potential of clay through hand-built ceramic forms that move beyond traditional vessels. Tactile, expressive and gestural, the pieces retain physical traces of their making and invite touch and interaction.
Annie continues to develop her practice through painting and drawing, exploring varied subjects while evolving her artistic voice.
Nora Young
A journey from past to present to future.
Past: Old words communicating past concerns – technology – economics – trading down our great water way.
Present: Words translated into accessible media. Cycling. Re-cycling. Crossing boundaries.
Seen daily. Time passes.
Future? Ah! Knowing the thought stays free…
“The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”
(Bob Dylan)
Steve Whitford
Digital Artist – explores the ‘realism’ of ‘being there’, as creatively interpreted in post-environmental, post situational, audio visual works.
The various ‘Sonic Photos’ – location photos; location audio; photo editing; video editing, and sound design – are all by Steve, partly reflecting his long experience in Location Sound Recording for Film/TV.
Typically, “Las Vegas? – reprise” challenges the received narrative expectation in the temporal filmic form, of ‘beginning’, ‘middle’, and ‘end’. This work invites the audio-viewer ‘in’ and suggests they stay as long as they wish, with the emphasis on experiencing this ‘sonic photo’ film work.
Marina Burgess
Marina will be taking the title of the show ‘Well, It’s Different!’ as an invitation to have some fun with materials and to see what happens. She will exhibit a selection of lightweight, impermanent sculptures made from paper, thread and wire. Marina will be exploring how the constraints inherant in these materials, provide the impetus for the resulting creations. Expect to see playful explorations of colour and form inspired by the laws and possibilities of nature.
Mike Hoddy
A recent ‘mature’ Fine Art graduate he has been exploring how the uncanny feelings we get when looking at art can be explored. In creating this collection he has attempted to demonstrate how things can be different to each viewer. The pieces on display will cross genres and materials expressing shock, surprise and hopefully make the viewer think!
Open Tuesday – Sunday // 10.00 – 17.00