Open Tasks
3 artworks
Each artwork observes a different perspective on the relationship between the viewer and the art.
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All three artworks exist in the same room, working in harmony to present the viewer with the major relationships between viewer and art.
1. Formal/traditional
2. Mutual/immersive
3. Dominating/overpowering
Full artwork
- completed room with all three artworks -
Original floor plan of full installation (above)
View of completed installation from entrance (left)
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The final installation had two gallery paintings and the live feed of the viewers projected onto the back wall, not displayed on monitors
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Video walk through of installation​
Artwork 1
The Artist (2023)
watercolour on arches paper
1. Formal/traditional
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This watercolour painting explored the formal, gallery style relationship between viewer and art.
Traditionally the viewer is free to walk into a gallery and judge the artwork as well as the artist, they have all the status in this relationship.
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I depicted this invasive feeling by painting "The Artist" in their private space, creating artwork in their studio with no knowledge of the viewers gaze. I furthered this creepy, stalker effect by adding a window frame floating above the artwork, further enforcing the idea that the viewer is intruding on a private and personal moment.
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My smaller practice version of the composition was added next to the larger final painting, suggestive of a didactic panel often displayed next to art in a gallery. It demonstrates the creative process by including earlier version of the artwork, such as the writing in the bottom right corner that was decidedly left out of the larger painting.
Artwork 2
The People (2023)
Aluminium wire, Milliput, broken ceramics, silverware, wooden blocks
1. Mutual/immersive
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These small statues created the immersive and mutual relationship between art and viewer.
The figures are suggestive of humans and have sufficient character and personality, additionally they are placed around the gallery to be observing and judging The Artist along with the viewers. These aspects allow them to demand a level of status with the viewers, they are a part of the viewers and interact accordingly.
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The making process for these statues was particularly difficult, I tried a number of versions with varying materials but the Milliput and thick aluminium wire was highly effective and easy to manipulate.
The white wooden blocks they stand on hold two purposes, they keep the statues upright and stable while also creating an easy highlight for viewers to see with their peripheral vision so they don't get stepped on.
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As for their materials, I explored what items I could use to evoke humanity, what objects were so inherently human that if I created something even vaguely human-like with it, the figure would still be immediately recognisable as human. Not only recognisable, but I wanted the audience to be able to feel attachment and connection to them.
The final materials included a broken mug, cutlery, wire and clay. I believe they were sufficiently human.
Artwork 3
Right Back at You (2023)
Live feed video projected onto gallery wall
1. Dominating/threatening
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The projection artwork was definitely the most difficult to create, there were many problems with the projector and technology but after lot's of trial and error, it was completed.
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The actual projector and camera had to be set up in the corner and did not fit with my vision for the room, to mend this I attempted to decorate it with artists books and utensils to further the effects of Artwork 1, making the space feel like an invasion of privacy.
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The actual projection was highly successful, aimed to make the viewer reflect apon who the art is about, how they feel about become art themselves and the confronting nature of being perceived, of being judged.
