Proposal.

Deceptive Outward Appearance

From the structure of the short term projects and being encouraged to work in different environments I have learnt that this course allows you to be more open minded, whether certain pieces are successful or not. As an artist, I have learnt to be more experimental in the way I work; a strong aspect I have learnt to apply within this course.

Out of the three two week projects from the first part of the course, I found the design ‘7 sites’ most exciting. I was applying mediums into different contexts and as a result I created two spatial related outcomes. It was from this and visiting exhibitions such as Phyllida Barlow’s RIG that I realised I wanted to take the spatial/architecture pathway. A small aspect that I enjoyed from the Platform project was my brief play with wool and how I used it in relation to the studio space to define shapes for my final outcome. It is from this I have developed my proposal for the Final Major Project.

My initial idea was generated from Felice Varini’s anamorphic illusion paintings on urban spaces; deceptive images that play on the viewers eye depending on the position they stand. I wanted to bring the idea of deception in an architectural sense, focusing more on structure and space. As a result, I decided to present this through materials and their properties, particularly ones which are known to be most impractical for architecture; such as wool, thread and yarn. The aim of this project is to explore the use of these particular materials in greater depth and by the end of the 6 weeks, to create an installation piece which gives the deceptive view of impracticality. I plan on learning certain methods such as knitting, sewing, weaving, stitching and any other embroidery related techniques to create both 2D and 3D outcomes. I also want to experiment with wool in relation to space however unlike Platform, I want to explore out of the studio and look into different sites and locations (and possibly connect these life size pieces to broader issues in society). Another idea I hope to explore is to combine different materials together, such as stitching wool through clear acetate or patterned paper to see how this changes the impact on the viewer. Throughout the duration of the project I will be looking at artists such as Amanda McCavour, Maurizio Anzeri, Shaun Kardinal and Juliana Sabtacruz for inspiration or to develop any of my ideas.

To evaluate my processes, I intend to keep an A5 sized journal with me daily and to record anything related to the project. This would include any drawings, photographic documentation, research, investigations, gallery visits, as well as my reflective thoughts and any feedback given or changes I plan to make.  

Proposal Ideas

- Take Varini's concept of deception and play to the viewer's eye.

- Possibly look at illusions...?

- As material experimentation was a strong aspect in my past projects, this project could be very material driven, focusing more so on the processes and the exploration of these.

- Look at thread/yarn/wool as a medium. Use it to be the main basis of my project.

PLATFORM! and Maurizio Anzeri & Amanda McCavour

In the Final Major Project Brief, it was stated that a possible concept would be to develop an idea that you had done in a previous project. So following through with this idea, I found that thread wall sculptures that I had made in Platform to be a stage through the course that I most enjoyed and found to be the most interesting. I've never explored the use of thread or any textile related medium in my life before, so it was an exciting prospect for me to explore. 

Having said this, I feel that if I was to continue this development for my final major project, I could produce some great solutions and experimental solutions within 6 weeks! I could use yarn to divide space and create some very intricate models with very fine thread.

'Untitled', Maurizio Anzeri

'livingroom', Amanda McCavour

As thread and yarn may be a possible concept for my final major project, I decided to start my research by looking at artists who use these materials as a medium in their art work. Maurizio Anzeri stitches thread through old photographs of people to create some striking images that change the whole appearance and identity of the person. Amanda McCavour however used her sewing machine to create 2D replicas of her furniture in her living room. This itself gives a playful approach her living room and immediately changes the atmosphere of the space with these intricate designs.

Felice Varini

Felice Varini paints on architectural and urban spaces, such as buildings, walls and streets. The paintings are characterized by one vantage point from which the viewer can see the complete painting (usually a simple geometric shape such as circle, square, line), while from other view points the viewer will see ‘broken’ fragmented shapes. These are known as anamorphic art/illusions where by a deceptive view is given to the viewer.

 I find the deceptive aspect to Vaini's work to be really interesting! I like the concept of how the viewers interpretation of the work depends on the place or position they stand.