Experimentation

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled" 2014

(Glass Jar, Latex, Jelly, PVA Water, Yarn)

Having explored the Hunterian Museum this inspired to capture a clinical element within my work, therefore I was using Glass Jars to present my work within. This held a strong force, holding the fluid suggestive to the amniotic fluid bag. The materials within are delicate and flesh like creating a sense of realism. The colour pallet is blood like create a revolting atmosphere. The media I have contained, will decay within time as it grows within its habitat, as the jelly substance will go off. The material has steamed the glass, emphasising a sense of presence. 

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled" 2014

(Glass Jar, Latex, Jelly, PVA Water, Yarn)

The subject is supported by the finger knitting, creating a sense of reassurance of protection as the blanket form is suggestive to comfort. The texture is delicate and soft creating a homely atmosphere highlighting the amniotic fluid bag protecting the fetus. 

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled" 2014

(Glass Jar, Latex, Jelly, PVA Water, Yarn)

I was experimenting with a sense of movement within the piece, to highlight the spiritual energy of the unborn fetus. I wanted to capture strong detail, to create a uncomfortable atmosphere intimidating the audience, which is symbolic of protection. Their almost looks like air bubbles, suggestive of breathing highlighting a element of new life. 

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled" 2014

(Glass Jar, Latex, Jelly, PVA Water, Yarn)

I illuminated the subject, intensifying the colour pallet, it almost looks like a blood bag, replicating perhaps veins or the human heart. The light has captured the surface of the glass, highlighting steam within the Jar, suggestive to a presence amongst the unknown. 

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled" 2014

(Glass Jar, Latex, Jelly, PVA Water, Yarn)

This piece has captured a epitome of life, the pure blood like colour pallet rushing through creating a sense of life within the fluidity of the amniotic fluid bag. The organic media creates a sense of movement within the piece highlighting the fetes presence. 

Experimentation

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled"

Yarn, Latex, String, Water, PVA, Wax and Cellophane 

2014

Here I was experimenting with suspending my work, I wanted to portray a sense of fluidity and purity. I have almost drew using my knitting to create gestural movement. The composition is central, the loose yarn has almost highlighted a sense of waterfall creating a organic atmosphere.

Paige Uttley-Plunkett

"Untitled", Detail

Yarn, Latex, String, Water, PVA, Wax and Cellophane 

2014

I wanted to capture an essence of fluidy and flesh like substance to revolt the audience creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. I experimented pouring water into the subject, the sensual experience of feeling sensitive piece is uncomfortable as it creates strange texture, a slimy substance. The fluid media I have used to replicate the amniotic fluid within the human body, intimidating the audience.

Paige Uttley-Plunkett
"Untitled", Detail
Yarn, Latex, String, Water, PVA, Wax and Cellophane 

2014

I have experimented with different materials, as the cellophane physically represents the amniotic fluid bag, projecting the sensitive subject, holding onto the fluid projecting the subject.

Amandine Drouet

Amandine Drouet

RubberDoll

 

Amandine Drouet is an inspiring artist as she explores natural refound objects, amongst the street, out of random but these objects retain a sense of memory and history. Drouet places these subjects together to highlight key elements of beauty, decay, death, life and rebirth.

 

Drouet is inspired by a quote from Carl Jung "The Idea of a Second birth is found at all times and in all places".

 

I find the sculpture, as these materials are refound objects been placed together, suggestive to new life, highlighting pregnancy. The colour pallet is flesh like creating an sense of realism. The fluid subject is suggestive to the amniotic fluid which I  find interesting. The texture of surface is presented moist creating a squeamish element revolting the audience.
I may start to collect random subjects which appeal to me, out of interest to see where this would take me.  

Alexa Sheila

Video Still
Milk: What will you make of me?

Alexa Meade and Sheila Vand, 2013

Video Still
Milk: What will you make of me?

Alexa Meade and Sheila Vand, 2013

 

This work is a collaboration between two artist, Alexa Meade and Sheila Vand which I have recently came across during a Seminar presentation which one of my peers presented. I find the context behind this work inspiring, how they expressed on a video what there work aims to capture. The whole entire process is a sensual process, capturing a surreal notion of movement, the growth of the media, decaying at the same time.

"The fluidity of the surroundings, the fixed nature of the thing itself and how it interacts with each other, it keeps morphing and changing. It really is a living thing. The milk itself decays giving it a new texture itself".
- Sheila Vand
http://vimeo.com/51727498

 

I find this quote inspiring as it captures an essence to the surroundings, in its own world growing and decaying at the same times which relates to the life cycle, highlighting an essence to the development of the fetus within the human body.

 

Visiting Artist, Edward Thomasson

Edward Thomasson

"Inside"

2012

Edward Thomasson

Video Stills "Inside"
2012

 

Edward Thomasson is a performance artist who recently presented his work at De Montfort University, I found his work interesting as he explores through the mentality of human minds, his video "Inside" depicts a Woman's Prison in a Art Therapy Session, the elements of the scene are sensual through sharp needles and therapeutic singing. In a original clip which I had the opportunity to insight to, Thomasson explores through the inside body, directing the camera inside the throat, traveling through the body creating a natural notion, highlighting space within the body which I found inspiring as in my work I am exploring the inner body.

I may experiment with this idea, of the visual inner body creating a fleshy subject creating a sense of realism intimidating the audience.

 

London Visit, 17/02/2014

I visited London in February 2014 with a couple of my peers, as we wanted to explore different galleries allowing us to get inspiration and collect research for our contextual research. I found this experience beneficial visiting galleries near oxford circus along East Castle Street, Pilar Corrasis, Gettyimages Gallery, Kashya Hildebrand, Art First and PI Art works. It allowed me to explore new fresh artists presented in intimate spaces within the side galleries, which in particular Lisa Ross Exhibition in Kashya Hildebrand  presenting "Behind the Junes" inspiring. 

Lisa Ross

"Unrevealed" Site 3 (Ladder on Horizon) 

2006

Archival Pigment Prints on Cotton Paper 

71 x 107 cm 

Lisa Ross

"Fertility"

2006

Archival Pigment Prints on Cotton Paper

107 x 71 cm

These photographs have been made within a collaboration of a ten year project, Ross has located these photographs in Taklamakan Desert of China which depicts the quiet and uncomfortable atmosphere. There is no figures within this photographs which creates an unassuming element, the surroundings capture a peaceful atmosphere but reflects almost spirituality. 

The materials within this piece, are tided together almost reflect a importance, highlighting a sense of history. The wind has captured the surface of the subject creating a notion of gestural movement creating a spiritual and mediative atmosphere. This piece is titled "Fertility" suggestive to growth and movement creating an element of fluidity. 

I have found Lisa Ross's work inspiring, as she captures an unassuming atmosphere creating uncomfortable emotions as its almost spiritual yet naturally beautiful.

Experimentation

This presents my collaboration of experimentations, I wanted to capture a fluid organic forms inside a flesh tangible subject, therefore I explored this using latex and wax. I created a negative using plaster to cast the inside positive. The latex was picking segments of the plaster, creating an opaque subject, which was unsuccessful as I wanted to capture a organic and fluid atmosphere, focusing on the centre. The sensation of holding the tangible subject was satisfying as it was moist creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. I found this very difficult to work with therefore I am going to explore with these materials in a different context to portray my concept successfully. 

Experimentation

"Untitled"

Cellophane,Wax, Thread, Water, Body Wash

2014

I was experimenting with materials here, as I wanted to capture a liquid form inside of a shield. The cellophane represents a skin fragment, or the amniotic bag, protecting the fetus. As I felt the piece, it created a sense of fleshy substance, capturing a sense of disgust, almost intimidating the audience, as impacts a squeamish sensation. The collaboration of different materials, such as soft and hard contrasts creating an uncomfortable atmosphere, which I would like to capture within my practice. Perhaps I could experiment with this subject further combining different materials to create a more sustainable subject, as I found the material was too delicate making the piece difficult to handle. 

Hiroshima mon amour

Within my tutorials I was recommended to explore the first five minutes of the film "Hiroshima Mon Amour" which was created by a French director Alain Resnais in 1959.

Having watch a caption of the beginning, the film is portraying a sensual scene of a two human figures, which is suggestive they are a couple. The sound is very traditional and gestural creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The activity is gentle and gestural creating a sense of movement. The fragments of the skin throughout the first five minutes captures an essence of moisture. The gripping is suggestive to sense of strength, impacting their connection which could reflect a sense of protection within the human body.

The surroundings create almost a sense of weathering, as there's an element of rain within the piece, which I would like to capture within my work as I believe this reflects a calm atmosphere and capturing an essence of the amniotic fluid.

Hiroshima Mon Amour, Video Still
1959

Hiroshima Mon Amour, Video Still
1959

 

Hiroshima Mon Amour, Video Still

1959

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIlgrUm6XJQ

Visiting Artist, Alice Theobald

"Mic Check (Check, Check, Checkin', the Mike)" 

Alice Theobald

2013

"When you told me you Loved me Did you mean it?"

Performance

2011

Alice Theobald is a performance artist who recently presented her work at De Montfort University, Thursday 13th February' 14, which I found really intriguing. Theobald explores through acting, how acting is developed and directed, how the use of language can be manipulated to an extent its not real anymore. The complex subject goes around in circles, Theobald is still currently exploring this subject and is intrigued in now directing the actors with surreal music. The combination of different medias, such as performance, directions and music clashes creating an intense atmosphere. Although this doesn't really relate to my work, I have researched further exploring projections which I would like to experiment within my work, I feel a projection of nature and calming audio would create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. 

Installation Castle Gardens Park

Castle Gardens Park

Leicester

13/02/2014

I created an installation in Castle Gardens Park, as I felt this was an organic and natural surrounding which creates a sense of calm and peace reflecting a contemplation portraying the fetus in the womb in its own space. 

"Untitled" 2014

Mixed Media,

(Knitting, Yarn, Earthenware Clay, Acyrlic, Watercolour, Bodywash, Water)

I have presented my installation within this location, to emphasize a sense of calmness, reflecting the audience in contemplation. I would like to video record this installation capturing the natural surroundings, of sounds, scent and weathering, I may experiment with this in my development. The knitting is suspended from branches which holds onto the fragments suggesting a sense of protection, reflecting the shield of the amniotic fluid bag. Each individual link intertwines which is suggestive to strength holding onto it, highlighting a prospective of protection. The suspended material is lose and gestural creating a sense of movement which is quite organic surrounding the each individual element. The clay subjects are fragile and delicate which has been surrounded by the entire atmosphere, protecting the pieces. 

"Untitled" 2014

Mixed Media

(Knitting, Yarn, Clay, Wax, Bodywash, Watercolour, Water)

This photograph is a close up of my installation which highlights a sense of protection as the knitting has been suspended holding the clay subject, which is fragile and delicate, protecting the piece like a child like blanket. The knitting is gestural creating a sense of movement creating a organic element within the installation.

"Untitled" 2014

Mixed Media,

(Silk, Wax, Watercolour, Bodywash, Water and PVA Glue)

I have experimented with an installation, presenting my work inside a separate pond, allowing my pieces to float free, creating a sensual atmosphere reflecting the fetus in its womb. I have layered PVA into the subject, to create a distortion, almost disguising the subject, which is a technique of protection. I found it interesting how the PVA reacts with water, it creates different layers creating a tangible and squeamish visual, engaging the audience creating a distraction. The silk surrounds the centered focus securing the piece. The overall materials are almost organic and fluid representing the amniotic fluid within the body.

  

"Untitled" 2014

Mixed Media,

( Earthenware Clay, Acyrlic, Watercolour, Bodywash,Tissue Paper Water)

This was an experimentation with different materials, I find it interesting how the Tissue paper creates a fragile surface which could reflect bone tissue of the fetus how its brittle and delicate. The substance has soaked in the fluidity creating a moist surface which is fleshy reflecting the human body. 

"Untitled" 2014

Mixed Media,

(Earthenware Clay, Watercolour, Bodywash, Water, Wax)

This was experimentation of capturing a moist element within my work, as I wanted to portray a organic piece which would reflect the amniotic fluid, capturing natural tissues reflecting a sense of realism. The clay almost holds the delicate substances within reacting as a sense of protection. 

Hunterian Museum

Hunterian Museum

Hunterian Museum

These photographs present the Hunterian Museum, in which I was recommended to explore through tutorials, I feel this gives me an insight into the anatomy of body and a better understanding of the structure. 

The Hunterian Museum is located in London, Lincoln's Inn Feilds, which I visited earlier this month but unfortunately the Museum was closed, this would have been an interesting experience allowing me to feel the presence of my surroundings. 

The room collection of human bodies, is overwhelming and daunting, it almost creates a sense of sadness and nostalgia, reflecting upon loss. The figures have been preserved in containers, which reflects a sense of protection, which I would like to portray within my work. The fluid in the containers create a fleshy and tangible element within the fragments of the skin,  emphasizing the realistic subject and almost creating a notion, reflecting a spiritual energy.

I feel this relates to my work as I would like to portray a spiritual energy of the a unborn fetus emphasizing the natural protection with the anatomy of the body. 

Ana Mendieta

Ana Mendieta is a well known artist, who sadly died from a young age falling from the 34th floor window in New York. Mendieta is known best for her Earth work body sculptures, which she imprints into nature creating a sense of the life cycle, creating contemplation as the surrounding is fresh and pure. 

Earlier this year, Mendietas work was exhibited in Hayward Gallery presenting "Traces" which I had the opportunity to visualize in person.

"Untitled" Siluetas Series,

Ana Mendieta

Mexico

1976

Mendieta uses natural and organic subjects to create her earth body installations, which have the ability to grow, therefore this could reflect the natural development of the fetus, which I would like to experiment further. The figure looks almost protected by the natural delicate surroundings, creating a calm and beautiful atmosphere. 

Alma Silueta en Fuego (Silueta de Cenizas)

Ana Mendieta

Film, running time 3 minutes, 30 seconds

1975

"Perhaps my images can lead the audience to speculation based on their own experiences or what they might feel that I have experienced. Their minds can then be triggered so that the images I present retain some of the  quality of the actual experience" 

Ana Mendieta

Mendieta wanted to capture an essence of sounds, scent, weather conditions to present the viewer contemplation, engaging the audience reflecting Mendietas feelings of experiences or make them look back on their own experiences creating a nostalgia. Fire is symbolic of something new reflecting upon the past, and moving forward which I find interesting, perhaps this could symbolize compacted emotion buried within, and the creation of the unborn. I could experiment with burning as it is suggestive to purity. 

"Tree of Life" Siluetas Series,

Ana Mendieta

Mexico

1976

Within this piece Mendieta is disguised camouflaging within the natural habitat, suggestive to protection, as she can almost be mistaken as the tree creating a sense of reassurance. The figure feels on edge creating an uneasy atmosphere, emphasizing their awareness. Mendieta often uses the symbol of a tree within her series of work, as she believes it symbolizes wisdom and knowledge with almost every culture and religion, therefore she felt the tree was a sense of protection. I may explore this idea further to get a better understanding of the Tree of Life, as I would like to work with a natural habitat to capture a peaceful atmosphere and organic surroundings highlighting a sense of spiritual energy and protection. 

Jennifer Poon

Having explored through Jennifer Poon's work, which I find visually interesting as I was unable to find context behind the subjects, perhaps the titles speak for themselves individually, allowing the audience to create their own interpretation. 

Five Dead Eggs
2011
White Velveteen, Tea stained Silk, Thread, Batting

Poon has named the subjects "Five Dead Eggs" which is suggestive to fertility which is relevant to my work, the subject has a spiritual persona, as it the simple colour pallet creates a sense of stillness and space. The pieces are shaped as egg which could reflect an fetus or a cell. The illuminating light almost creates a sense of transcluency emphasizing the spiritual atmosphere. The non-traditional materials are delicate and fragile reflecting the life cycle. I feel the silk, creates a fleshy substance creating a sense of realism within the piece, making the audience feel uncomfortable. The purity of the white, creates a sense of innocence and loss suggestive a sense of sadness.

Spots

2010

Watercolour, Silk ribbons on handmade paper 12" Diameter each

These series of watercolour paintings are delicate and fluid, create a sense of delicacy within the subject, suggesting the human body is fragile. Visually these paintings highlight babies, which is relevant to my own concept, I feel it highlights DNA, looking at different features which is interesting. The subject is presented with ribbons, which suggests the babies are precious.

2011

Poon has created the figures head inside presenting a fleshy tangible surface, which I find interesting as I want to capture an essence of the inside body, using interesting materials which make the audience cringe. 

Maggie Ayres

Having had a mini critique with my major project, my peers told me to explore the work of Maggie Ayres, who is a textile artist, I find the use of material she uses interesting as creates femoral subjects. Layering intricate lines to create a depth of detail. I find the colour pallet she has used in "Sense of Healing" is realistic creating a fleshy substance which could possibly reflect the human body. The title itself is suggestive to a bruise or cut, inflict upon the body. 

 

"Sense of Healing" 

Size: 40cm x 120cm

 Silk fibres, screen printed chiffon, acrylics on stretched cotton canvas

Daria Krotova

Daria Krotova

"Untitled #2"

2012

Watercolour on paper

45 x 25 x 18cm

Daria Krotova

Heart, Organ of Love (Sometimes My Heart Turns Into A Chicken)

2011

Watercolour, Paper, Wooden Frames,

9 Work, each: 40 x 30 cm

Daria Kotova

Heart, Organ of Love (Sometimes My Heart Turns Into A Chicken)

2011

Watercolour, Paper, Wooden Frames,

9 Work, each: 40 x 30 cm

Krotova's work explores a sense of realism as she creates real living shapes, as she has depicted the heart, using organic medias which has created a bloody substances. I find the use of tissue layered as it creates a tangible texture almost which reflects a flesh tones. I would like to capture this texture and essence, therefore I may experiment further with this colour pallet.  

Laurie Fronek

"It Isn't Always Pretty"
Laurie Fronek

"Collecting People"
Laurie Fronek

Laurie Fronek has created figurative sculptures which I find intriguing, Fronek explore experiences we have all been through in how that impacts on the person through human anatomy and the connection of the body, mind, emotion and memory. Fronek has used the backdrops on each individual piece to highlight the history behind the figure. The photographs within the sculpture develop the wire figure through experience, they document the changes throughout stages in life.

I feel theres an element of pregnancy within this piece, as its presents a feminine figure, the photographs could capture the growth of the foetus, reflecting the baby scans. The wire could highlight a sense of protection, which is symbolic of the amniotic fluid and womb. 

Hannah Ward

We (detail),
bone, wax, twine, wood, paper, cotton, thread, glass beads, ink, acrylic, pins

candelabras (detail),
 bone, metallic pigment, wax, clay,
 11.25 X 3.5 X 3 in. right: 11.25 X 2.25 X 3 in.

Hannah Ward explores human unease, through a spiritual energy focusing on mysteries with the natural world, the folklore, mythology, ghost stories and religious beliefs. I find the use of materials Ward has used within her work, as I feel the wax within the subject creates a distortion,  the layered marks of wax have almost created an organic feel to the subject, which looks like a fleshy substance. 

chiharu shiota

Earth and Blood (Video Still) 6 Channel Video Installation

Earth and Blood (Video still) 6 Channel Video Installation

Earth and Blood (Video Still) 6 Channel Video Installation

Chiharu Shiota throughout the years has experimented with different delicate materials creating installations, which I have found influential, as she uses delicacy within her work to portray sensitive subjects. In "Earth and Blood" Video still installation, Shiota portrays sensitivity, using fluidity to capture emotions. The colour pallet is dull and blood like suggestive anger and sadness. This reflects Shiota contemplation within her life exploring her relationship with her body, as she had a miscarriage. This arises the subject of pregnancy, which relates to my concepts but I want to capture an essence of fluidity within my  work which could reflect natural organic substances within the human body and earth. These captured series stills all have a correlation as they are located in Earth, which is a natural substance, reflecting the natural life cycle. Each material looks fleshy, suggestive to the inside of our bodies perhaps Shiota was contemplating the functions of the human body.

I would like to experiment with similar materials and a earthy atmosphere, to capture an organic surrounding which could reflect amniotic fluid, as it is a natural substance itself. 

"Untitled" Performance photographs,

Iceland

"Untitled" Performance photographs,

Iceland

These performance photographs, I was unable to locate any depth of meaning, but I feel it highlights a sense of sadness and anger, in contemplation of freedom, a release from pain. The knitting is suggestive as a blanket, surrounding the figure protecting the subject. The colour pallet is fleshy and bold reflecting a honest subject, projecting the subjects insides.The location of a scenery creates a calm and subtle atmosphere. The wind has captured the knitting creating a notion of gestural movement, almost swaying which creates a sense of fluidity.

The knitting intertwines with the human body, almost being a part of subject, camouflaging as it could be a gesture of life, blood moving around the body. 

I want to capture a essence of the development of life within my work, reflecting the fetus growing and developing, highlighting a strong element of protection and organic media to emphasize my concept. 

My Stomachache (Video work on Performance)

I was still unable to find depth of detail within the subject, but I feel this reflects her conceptual interest, portraying a sense of sadness due to her loss in a miscarriage. This subject symbolizes Shiotas stomach, which is portrayed surrounded by fluid, an emptiness which reflects sadness. The stomach is almost presented translucency suggesting the fragility and delicacy of the subject. The fluid may perhaps preserve the stomach, almost protecting it, therefore fluid which be suggestive to protection within the human body.

Dialogue with Absence

Marugame Genichiro-Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art, Kagawa

Current Exhibition, Walsall, UK

17 January - 30 March 2014

I feel Shiota has portray a sense of the life cycle within her installation, as it captures the notion of blood, highlightings circulations within the human body, an essence of veins suggestive to life or a matter of death. The blood is pure and repetitive perhaps reflecting heart beats. 

Having explored Chiharu Shiotas work in depth, I have researched Shiota uses thread symbolically to represent human relations, intertwining the connection, highlighting relationships through complication to broken. I feel this could highlight the relationship between the fetus and the natural human amniotic body form which intensifies a sense of protection.  Shiota weaves materials creating a disoritenting cocoons, which is highlights an element of protection as cocoons are almost peaceful and calming.

I felt it was appropriate to explore the definition of cocoon, it is described as a silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection as pupae, a covering that prevents the corrosion of metal equipment, envelop in a protective or comforting way and spray with a protective coating.