HEAVENLY BODIES AND THE CHRISTIAN IMAGINATION @ MET
|
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2018/heavenly-bodies
I was OBSESSED with the met Gala, especially at the dress worn by Blake Lively inspired by the image of "Infant Jesus of Prague" I loved seeing the way that the designers had taken inspiration from Christain artworks. I found this article really helped me to get a clear understanding of the artists inspiration. It was compiled by the chair and profesor of art history at Bernard College, Anne Higonnet.
As a visitor : Do you like the work?
OK, I am not going to lie, I totally thought that I was going to see the dresses from the gala (and hopefully see Blake Lively and befriend her.) I didn't get that the gala was a fundraising gala for the Cosutme Instite in New York City which opens the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibtion. I did not realise that the work that was made by the designers for celebrities to wear to the opening was just inspired by the theme of the exhibition, these do not make up the work in the exhibition. I was therefore slightly dissapointed to not be able to see the exciting costumes that I had seen online and in photographs. I was not dissapointed by what I did see though, which was a range of work inspired by Catholic imagery, some overt and literal, some more subtle and nuanced.
I was honestly not paying enough attention to the artwork that had inspired the dresses unless it was nuanced. If it was literal, or overt, I just took it at face value, took photographs or videos and moved on. I was indulging in the opportunity to be close to designer gowns, an opportunity that I can not see happening again.
I had also seen the show "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" recently. I was interested to see the developments that Giovanni Versace had made in the brand after his death and so seeing them was less about the ideas inspiration, just outcome.
As a critic : Does the exhibiton support the stated intentions?
According to the website the work "Features a dialogue between fashion and medieval art from The Met collection. To examine examine fashions ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of catholicism." (metmuseum.org)
As a curator : Does the curation of the work supprt the correct converation with the visitor?
Yes. I was able to make clear connections between the work of the artist and the work around it. I could see a collection of work that developed the idea of a priest's Vestment: There was the solid black, the length, the madarin collar, but it was made more of a 'fashion' object.
I was OBSESSED with the met Gala, especially at the dress worn by Blake Lively inspired by the image of "Infant Jesus of Prague" I loved seeing the way that the designers had taken inspiration from Christain artworks. I found this article really helped me to get a clear understanding of the artists inspiration. It was compiled by the chair and profesor of art history at Bernard College, Anne Higonnet.
As a visitor : Do you like the work?
OK, I am not going to lie, I totally thought that I was going to see the dresses from the gala (and hopefully see Blake Lively and befriend her.) I didn't get that the gala was a fundraising gala for the Cosutme Instite in New York City which opens the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibtion. I did not realise that the work that was made by the designers for celebrities to wear to the opening was just inspired by the theme of the exhibition, these do not make up the work in the exhibition. I was therefore slightly dissapointed to not be able to see the exciting costumes that I had seen online and in photographs. I was not dissapointed by what I did see though, which was a range of work inspired by Catholic imagery, some overt and literal, some more subtle and nuanced.
I was honestly not paying enough attention to the artwork that had inspired the dresses unless it was nuanced. If it was literal, or overt, I just took it at face value, took photographs or videos and moved on. I was indulging in the opportunity to be close to designer gowns, an opportunity that I can not see happening again.
I had also seen the show "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" recently. I was interested to see the developments that Giovanni Versace had made in the brand after his death and so seeing them was less about the ideas inspiration, just outcome.
As a critic : Does the exhibiton support the stated intentions?
According to the website the work "Features a dialogue between fashion and medieval art from The Met collection. To examine examine fashions ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of catholicism." (metmuseum.org)
As a curator : Does the curation of the work supprt the correct converation with the visitor?
Yes. I was able to make clear connections between the work of the artist and the work around it. I could see a collection of work that developed the idea of a priest's Vestment: There was the solid black, the length, the madarin collar, but it was made more of a 'fashion' object.
Triennial @ National Victoria Gallery 12/17
|
David Kelly
As a visitor: do you like the work?
I was really excited by the range of media used for the work within the exhibition. We went all the way to the top to start and then came down. The top floor had 2 big pieces of note on the left hand side. One was a VR Experience by ‘Tony Crago’ where you could explore a ship to collect “materials”. The game designer made something that brought the control of the experience and malleability to the visitor. This was a new experience as it juxtposed the expectations for choice amd control in galleries settings.
As a critic: Does the exhibition support the stated intentions?
"Featuring work from over 100 artists and designers from 32 countries, the NVG Triennial is a landmark international exhibition that surveys the world’s best art and design, scross cultures, scales, geographies and perspectives. This celebration of contemporary art practice programs. Explore cutting edge technologies, architecture, animation, performance, video, painting, drawing, fashion design, tapestry and sculpture.”
Visitors will have an opportunity to look at the wold and its past, present snd future through the eyes of some of the most creative minds working today. I feel like these aims were met. It was an exciting exploration of the world using historical and contemporary art in close succession to stimulate connections.
As a curator: does the curation of the work support the correct conversation with the visitor?
The integration of innovation in this exhibition was something that stood out. Technology played a different role to other exhibitions that I had visited. I really liked the exploration of space with Jem Nobles piece “Blush Response”. The QR code downloaded an app that interacted with your GPS and timed you to get to Eureka tower before the sunset. I was interested in how the curator found an appropriate space for this. We had started at the top floor and then followed the space down, but had they intended for this to the one of the last things that you see? How would your understanding of a timer influence the work that you saw in the rest of the gallery?
I liked the way that space had been negotiated and divided into contemporary and historical art. I did choose not to look at some of the collections, due to time restrictions and I wanted to make sure that the experience was fun for my friend too. I was too excited about their contemporary collection to look at the historical collection too.
Jeju Biennale : Tourism
10/17
[EXHIBITION]
Jeju has it's first Biennale based around the concept of the Tourism. It is a theme that is close to Jeju's identity.. but this was something that worried me. I didn't want to be inundated with hobby painters and a lack of interest of interest. I was happily surprised (and a little ashamed of snobbishness) Click here for more information the theme.
@ Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art |
As a curator: Does the curation of the work support the correct conversation with the visitor?
I did not like this space as much but on reflection felt that there were strengths to the way that it was explored. I liked that there were distinctions between spaces. I felt that I was able to address each space individually and really understand what was supporting the work and the ideas though visual and spatial relationships.
The use of plan chests, or desks, gave the feeling of a museum or exhibition of artefacts. There was a relationship that was connecting the viewer outside of the frame of the canvas to a different schema. There were a range of artists and media on show, which was interesting to see in combination. One of the sound pieces was playing in this room could be heard throughout the exhibition. I was interested to see my perception shift when I encountered other work: As the sound piece (didn't catch the name of the artist) used a pianos, violins and birds to evoke the sense of a horror film (or at least it did for me). I felt differently when I saw the pieces by Dionisio Gonzales. His costructed spaces became more eery and dystopian.
I would question if that was incident or intention.
As a visitor: Do you like the work?
I did love some pieces, especially the work of Dionisio Gonzales and Koh Seung Wook.
I did not love some of the videos as they were too much like a documentary. I could not see how they were art forms. I realise that I have a schema of documentaries and this aligned with it. I could not understand how they were supposed to be in the space and occupy it as an art piece. Was it more to support the questioning of the theme? Am I outdated?
As a critic: Does the exhibition meet the stated intentions?
"In this modern society that we live in, natural surroundings get destroyed and we lose much through history with hardship. Is it alright for our life to flow in this way? What do we need to remember and what do we need to protect? Jeju Contemporary Museum of Art is located in the area where Gotjawal is located. This area is Jeju’s special natural surroundings which are disappearing. The relationship between ecology and art, and living in harmony with nature are some of the aspects that needs to be thought about. Also, there is a chance to encounter works that deal with alternative solutions to the current tourism industry." (JejuBiennale)
I was able to see the connections between these idea and the work that was produced. I was expecting to see more paintings and explorations of the ideas in traditional media. I was excited to see that there was more questioning happening.
I did not like this space as much but on reflection felt that there were strengths to the way that it was explored. I liked that there were distinctions between spaces. I felt that I was able to address each space individually and really understand what was supporting the work and the ideas though visual and spatial relationships.
The use of plan chests, or desks, gave the feeling of a museum or exhibition of artefacts. There was a relationship that was connecting the viewer outside of the frame of the canvas to a different schema. There were a range of artists and media on show, which was interesting to see in combination. One of the sound pieces was playing in this room could be heard throughout the exhibition. I was interested to see my perception shift when I encountered other work: As the sound piece (didn't catch the name of the artist) used a pianos, violins and birds to evoke the sense of a horror film (or at least it did for me). I felt differently when I saw the pieces by Dionisio Gonzales. His costructed spaces became more eery and dystopian.
I would question if that was incident or intention.
As a visitor: Do you like the work?
I did love some pieces, especially the work of Dionisio Gonzales and Koh Seung Wook.
I did not love some of the videos as they were too much like a documentary. I could not see how they were art forms. I realise that I have a schema of documentaries and this aligned with it. I could not understand how they were supposed to be in the space and occupy it as an art piece. Was it more to support the questioning of the theme? Am I outdated?
As a critic: Does the exhibition meet the stated intentions?
"In this modern society that we live in, natural surroundings get destroyed and we lose much through history with hardship. Is it alright for our life to flow in this way? What do we need to remember and what do we need to protect? Jeju Contemporary Museum of Art is located in the area where Gotjawal is located. This area is Jeju’s special natural surroundings which are disappearing. The relationship between ecology and art, and living in harmony with nature are some of the aspects that needs to be thought about. Also, there is a chance to encounter works that deal with alternative solutions to the current tourism industry." (JejuBiennale)
I was able to see the connections between these idea and the work that was produced. I was expecting to see more paintings and explorations of the ideas in traditional media. I was excited to see that there was more questioning happening.
@ Jeju Museum of Art
As a curator: Does the curation of the work support the correct conversation with the visitor?
It was my first time visiting this space and I was surprised by how big it is. I was not expecting to see such a variety of rooms. I loved being able to walk through spaces that had been created in large halls, contrasting smaller rooms and also hallways. It felt like all the space had been used. I found the 'salon' style was really appropriate in the room exploring the different views of the Halla mountain.
As a visitor: Do you like the work?
I liked some, but not all of the work. I was impressed by the variety, but potentially overwhelmed. There was too much to stop and appreciate. There was too much to engage with and so little stood out.
As a critic: Does the exhibition meet the stated intentions?
The intention for the exhibition, as stated on the website is..
It was my first time visiting this space and I was surprised by how big it is. I was not expecting to see such a variety of rooms. I loved being able to walk through spaces that had been created in large halls, contrasting smaller rooms and also hallways. It felt like all the space had been used. I found the 'salon' style was really appropriate in the room exploring the different views of the Halla mountain.
As a visitor: Do you like the work?
I liked some, but not all of the work. I was impressed by the variety, but potentially overwhelmed. There was too much to stop and appreciate. There was too much to engage with and so little stood out.
As a critic: Does the exhibition meet the stated intentions?
The intention for the exhibition, as stated on the website is..
Summer Show @ RA, London.. with my Mama
8/16
[EXHIBITION]
This was something that Mama had wanted to do for years, it was a dream destination and she was desperate to go before I left for Korea. It was an interesting show, but it was almost too full. There were room upon room of art work that it was very few that stood out. That salon style of curation is a very different experience for the viewer and it isn't always as successful. Luckily, there were pieces that managed to stand out for me though..
Royal Portrait Gallery, London.. with Lizzie
8/16
[EXHIBITION]
I had DREAMED of being able to show my work in a place like this one day. Be able to show who I am and how I work and more importantly capture someone else. I wanted to be iconic. I loved that I saw inspirational artists. I loved that I saw images by unknown artists and was inspired once more.
Alexander McQueen @ V & A
[EXHIBITION]
I loved this whole exhibition. I didn't expect to. I thought it would be good, I thought I would like it, that I would be interested. I was not expecting to love it that much. The exhibition was curated really well. Every room was like walking into a different aspect of his pysche. I was irratated that I wasn't allowed to be inspired, to absorb it. The ques were so long that I was herded through, no photos, sketching or sitting allowed. It was money making at it's worst and very un-gallery. I snuck some pics though.
|
Corrina Goutos-
Conceptual Metalsmith and Jewellery Designer
[ARTIST]
I know it isn't technically an exhibition but I HAD to share her work.
Recently, I have met the most amazing artist. She is a young contemporary designer, who considers himself a 'conceptual metalsmith'. She was at Mauerpark (an excellent spot for summer Sunday's in Berlin-> Kareoke + flea markets = Happy Jess.. any ways I digress) Corrina Goutos.On the table there were interpretations of plastic bags formed in metal, beautiful ring forms reminiscent of geological forms or icebergs as well as quaint wire cigarette packages. I had to know more and I was not disappointed: She has a not only a really interesting aesthetic, but she has contextual grounding I am really interested in (as it aligns with my own so we can have long geeky art conversations). She is interested in the identity of an object and how the identity of this is created by the wearer and the material. Check out KUMULA for more details.
She told me about her wider practice. I was really inspired her brooch project, where took a series of photos objects that interested her to explore what a brooch is. playfully explored the concept of the ring, through the creation of sculptures, and how these were not necessarily two distinct forms.
Watch this space- I feel that exciting may spring from this new friendship.
Lesson- always talk to artists, they are passionate and exciting creatures!
UPDATE: We were able to get Corrina to come in and work with our students to develop their projects and processes using lost wax casting. I am obsessed! I loved the chance to work with my students as a student, and learn with them. We asked other teachers in the school to join us and this was an awesome experience. If you want to see the IB creations, check this link out to see a selection of their portfolios. They are seamlessly integrated.
Recently, I have met the most amazing artist. She is a young contemporary designer, who considers himself a 'conceptual metalsmith'. She was at Mauerpark (an excellent spot for summer Sunday's in Berlin-> Kareoke + flea markets = Happy Jess.. any ways I digress) Corrina Goutos.On the table there were interpretations of plastic bags formed in metal, beautiful ring forms reminiscent of geological forms or icebergs as well as quaint wire cigarette packages. I had to know more and I was not disappointed: She has a not only a really interesting aesthetic, but she has contextual grounding I am really interested in (as it aligns with my own so we can have long geeky art conversations). She is interested in the identity of an object and how the identity of this is created by the wearer and the material. Check out KUMULA for more details.
She told me about her wider practice. I was really inspired her brooch project, where took a series of photos objects that interested her to explore what a brooch is. playfully explored the concept of the ring, through the creation of sculptures, and how these were not necessarily two distinct forms.
Watch this space- I feel that exciting may spring from this new friendship.
Lesson- always talk to artists, they are passionate and exciting creatures!
UPDATE: We were able to get Corrina to come in and work with our students to develop their projects and processes using lost wax casting. I am obsessed! I loved the chance to work with my students as a student, and learn with them. We asked other teachers in the school to join us and this was an awesome experience. If you want to see the IB creations, check this link out to see a selection of their portfolios. They are seamlessly integrated.
Berlin Art Week 2015
[EXHIBITION]
This weekend was Berlin Art week. I loved the opportunity to see some old favorites and new ones as well.
Berlin Art Week 2015:
Jenny Holzer, Louise Lawler, Sherry Levine, Barbara Kruger @ Spruth Magers
[EXHIBITION]
Three female power houses, and quite frankly, icons for me. I love their playfulness and was super excited to see their work, but do not think that the gallery had the most interesting ones on display- or perhaps they were in the closed areas.. I wasn't aware that an opening of an exhibition was only part of the whole exhibit. That was news.
ANYWAY- I was most interested by the wall of Jenny Holzer and the way that it reminded me of an Instagram not only did they have the same square shape and black outline but their content was also similar "A truism is a claim that is so obvious or self-evident as to be hardly worth mentioning, except as a reminder or as a rhetorical or literary device, and is the opposite of falsism. In philosophy, a sentence which asserts incomplete truth conditions for a proposition may be regarded as a truism." The Truisms are deliberately challenging, presenting a spectrum of often-contradictory opinions. Holzer hoped they would sharpen people's awareness of the 'usual baloney they are fed' in daily life. Now we are bombarded with streams of other peoples thoughts constantly through social media. In the 1980s Holzer used stickers, t-shirts, lights and low art media to spread her ideas to people. I wonder: if she started today would she be a youtuber? |
Distance and Desire: Encounters with the African Archive African Photography from The Walther Collection.
C/O AMERICA HAUS BERLIN
[EXHIBITION]
I find that seeing an exhibition with a friend who can tell me things, is so valuable. I went to this exhibition with a dear friend, Catherine Galloway. She is about to move back to the US to study International Education Policy ( I think..). She had previously lived in Africa, so could really relate to the images that were created as well as open a conversation about how this early photography has shaped the way that Africa is seen and how the 'Western world' is idolized in contemporary African culture.
I really value photography for it's immediacy in that respect. This was a a presentation of a moment that happened in front of the lens and how these images were reframed, disseminated, interpreted and how those opinions impacted the world 100 years later is worth considering.
Magnum group: Contact Sheets @
C/O
America Haus Berlin
[EXHIBITION]
Magnum Group:Contact Sheets
I have fallen in love with this gallery www.co-berlin.org/en/article/exhibitions!!
It is one of the best curated exhibitions that I have seen in a long time. It has that the incredible power of making me want to go back again, and again.
Unfortunately we went with only an hour to see everything. It was not enough time at all, I can't wait to go back.
I have fallen in love with this gallery www.co-berlin.org/en/article/exhibitions!!
It is one of the best curated exhibitions that I have seen in a long time. It has that the incredible power of making me want to go back again, and again.
Unfortunately we went with only an hour to see everything. It was not enough time at all, I can't wait to go back.
Persons of interest @ Urban Nation
3/15
[EXHIBITION]
So, I am doing my usual morning scroll through Instagram and see that Swoon (my absolute favourite contemporary street artist) is setting up her work in Berlin for an exhibition called 'Persons of Interest' I was so excited I quickly googled it.. then was really dissapointed all the results were about some TV show. BUT when I finally found it I struck GOLD!
"12 important Brooklyn Street Artists will appear on the façade and in the windows of the future Urban Nation Haus. Persons of Interest asks each artist to choose as subject a portrait of a German or Brooklyn figure with a German connection who has inspired him or her personally or professionally. The chosen persons, to be unveiled March 14th for UN’s Project M/7, include artists, poets, writers, a political theorist, a social activist, a civil engineer and of course a glamorous leading lady of the silver screen, among others. “The point is that Street Art often takes its inspiration from society and the street, acting as a mirror that reflects us back to ourselves. We all wanted to reflect aspects of Berlin’s rich culture back to the passersby of UN as well,” says Harrington." http://www.isupportstreetart.com/festibition/group-exhibition-persons-of-interest-berlin-germany/ |
I began to gather the troops- I messaged my friends to tell them that we were going and told my students all about the exhibition opening. There was a buzz around the department. That night I arrived, with anticipation that I may get to meet Swoon.. I didn't as it was her assistant that had done the installation but I was not disappointed. It was one of my favorite exhibitions that I have seen in a while. Such an interesting concept, that I think would be a great grade 10 or IBDP unit. I loved how diverse the work of the artists was.
I was introduced to an artist called Estaban del Valle who spoke beautifully about his process and his inspiration- seriously check his work out. It is wonderful. |