Stage 3: Flux

The Flux stage of the exhibition was open for two days to the public. The exhibition location was transformed into a project space. This gave the artists the opportunity to discuss their practice with visitors and curators whilst the artworks were in development. Irving and Picciau were invited to use the ideas developed in the workshop, to create a space that was constantly changing. Artists were encouraged to add, change or take away certain aspects from their work. Flux was a place to do and undo.

Irving video installation

Picciau loose papers

Picciau poistioning experimentation

Picciau wall drawing

Irving video editing

Picciau work in progress

Picciau, Irving and curatordiscussion

Irving video projection

Picciau discussion

Irving discussion

Stage 2: Artist Workshop

For the second stage of the exhibition AndNow created a private artist workshop. This was intended to be a critique of both the artist’s practices and of AndNow’s curatorial decisions. The aim of this was to help develop the practices of both parties.

For AndNow Curatorial, this was a first time leading a critique. We decided to make it fairly informal, which suited the DIY, experimental nature of the exhibition.

The critique was split into 3 sections:

1. Welcome Introduction

• Introduced AndNow Curatorial and went into more depth surrounding the Mima bursary and our practice.
• Introduced why each stage of the exhibition would be useful as a platform to develop the artist’s practices.
• The artists introduced their practices and outlined what they hoped to develop as part of StaticFlux.

2. Discussion of Curatorial Decisions

• Overview of why we chose the artists.
• Why we chose the space, including limitations and benefits of an unconventional exhibition space.
• Curatorial decisions behind positioning and hanging of artist’s chosen works.

3. Artist and Curator Critique

Artists and curators went around the exhibition as a group discussing each artwork:

• Fractured 2014, is Irving’s first exploration into video art. Ideas surrounding the personal nature of the projected object, the disorientation of the fractured images and sound were discussed.
• Slice of Life 2014, was made especially for StaticFlux. A slideshow of the artist’s photographic works were displayed in a projection. Irving planned to present these as printed photographic images but ideas were explored surrounding manipulation of still projected images. Individual images from the slide show were focused on and the group discussed how they could be developed through abstraction, changes in projection location, size and techniques used.
• Untitled 2014, is a site specific, installation work. This piece represents Irving’s work in relation to his master’s projected titled ‘Proximity’. Ideas surrounding adding and removing certain objects of the installation were explored as well as using the same objects within different positions. Irving further discussed his exploration into how we perceive 2D and 3D objects and how this could be progressed within the Flux stage of the exhibition.
• Friendly Turbulence 2014, is a playful work, with two eyes that follow you around the room. The discussion focused on the use of everyday materials, the quickness of the brush strokes and the fragility and preservation of these unconventional materials. Through further discussion, connections of sentimentality between the artist and materials became clearer, giving the artist ideas to expand upon. A key point that was discussed was the presentation hanging of the work and how the canvas had started to warp creating a sculptural quality to the piece. Presentation of the painting will be further explores in Flux.
• Day By Day, On Paper 2014, is a great deal more delicate than Irving’s pieces where the delicate ink transfers and pen work are a contrast to the heavy, industrial found objects used by Irving. The fractured aesthetic of the piece created an interesting link with Irving’s installation. The work was framed and well presented with a clean hang. The group talked about potential for expanding it out of the perceived and physical barriers of the frame.

Curatorial decisions of lighting, hang, and positioning of works were discussed. All of which have the possibility to be changed in the Flux stage of the exhibition. Find out how the artists developed their work and adapted the space in the next blog post.

Stage 1: Static

The aim is to create a platform for the artists to take a step back from their studio space, test work and ideas to further develop their practice.

The exhibition showcases work from two Tees Valley artists, Roberto Picciau and Stephen Irving. Both Picciau and Irving have underlying themes of experimentation.

Using works in progress by Picciau and Irving, ‘Static’ curated by AndNow Curatorial, resembles the traditional hang typically associated with contemporary art galleries. The artworks are lacking in movement, action or change, creating an intervention within the artists practice.

The next stage of StaticFlux is a workshop involving an artist critique. This will explore the curation of the show, as well as the artists individual works presented in the show and their wider artistic practices. Updates of this will be in tomorrow’s blog post.

Tees Valley ARTIST CALL OUT – ‘Static Flux’

 

AndNow Curatorial are currently seeking graduates, early career and mid-career artists living and/or practicing within the Tees Valley region to exhibit and experiment with their practice as part of a new pop-up, group exhibition, titled StaticFlux.

StaticFlux aims to be an experimental exhibition that will give artists a chance to create new dialogues with other artists and to explore and expand upon their practice.

The exhibition will be made up of three stages:
1. The first stage will be an exhibition curated by AndNow Curatorial, referring to the ‘Static’ element to the exhibition.
2. The second stage is a workshop where artists will be invited to critique the exhibition and each other’s work.
3. The final stage will be the ‘Flux’ part of the show. This is where artists can change the curation of the show as well as having the opportunity to change their work, using the exhibition location as a project space.

Taking place at the end of November 2014, StaticFlux will showcase work within an empty shop or office space in Middleborough city centre. Using this type of space will allow you to see your work away from the studio and will create an ideal project space for developing your practice.

Date: Due to the pop-up nature of the exhibition, exact dates, times and locations are still to be confirmed. However, we do know that the exhibition is aiming to be showcased at the end of November 2014, where stages 2 and 3 will be on a Friday-Sunday, which artists MUST be present for.

AndNow Curatorial was established in 2013 by two Art Museum and Gallery Studies graduates, Helen Robertson and Kimberley Gaiger. AndNow Curatorial are working in association with mima, through the mima Young Curators Program, to deliver an exhibition that will aid in the development of Tees Valley artists.

Are you interested?

We are seeking submissions from recent graduates (graduated within the past 2 years), early career and mid-career artists living and/or practicing within the Tees Valley region. Submissions can be from artists working across any discipline who are interested in showcasing their work to the Tees Valley public, be involved within a critique and further experiment with their work in the exhibition space.

Selected artists will be given the opportunity to be involved with all three stages of the exhibition:
1. To showcase work within an exciting exhibition curated by AndNow Curatorial.
2. To create new contacts and be involved in a dialogue with other Tees Valley artists within a workshop critique.
3. To experiment and curate a fluid exhibition.

For further information and to send a submission, please send an email to andnowcuratorial@gmail.com with:
• Up to 5 images of your art work (including medium, date and dimensions)
• A current CV
• Up to 500 words as to why you think you would benefit from this exhibition

Submission Deadline: 8pm, Sunday 12th October 2014

New project: Static Flux

Watch this space for opportunities for artists in the Tees Valley region.

AndNow Curatorial is currently developing an exhibition, Static Flux, which aims to create an experimental, fluid experience for Tees Valley artists. Using artists from different stages of their practice, the exhibition will offer the opportunity for them to take a step back from their studio space, test work and ideas and to further develop work in progress within a public exhibition and workshop context. Static Flux will provide an opportunity for the artists to create a fresh perspective of their practice through a fast-paced, changing and short-term exhibition.

Static Flux will be a sudden occurrence within an empty space in the centre of Middlesbrough. Watch this space to see more details about the exhibition as well as when and where it will take place.