Some thoughts from presenting artists on the IMAA Open Crit
For
our Open Crits, we have been experimenting with how we document the
discussion, through inviting those who have presented work to write
something about their experience of the crit, if and how they found it
useful, and what they intend to do as a result..
Claire Hignett
I have taken some time out from my usual routine with the intention to
progress my art work. Following a residency in the warehouse at the Mill
late last year my work is in a state of change and I am not sure
whether this is a development in my usual practice, just in a different
landscape or whether it is a fundamental change! I have been using the
crits at the mill to try to voice what my work is about and to test how
others respond. I find the crit process really difficult, but it is
worthwhile.
I showed a printed blanket with
multiple images of a doll from my childhood, curious to see what the
response would be. The overall response was that it was unnerving,
creepy, angry and political. Apart from the political aspect - which I
was a little surprised by - this was the response I expected, although I
would like to find a way to take the creepy/scary aspect away as I
don’t think that is what I am trying to say. Somehow, the work I
started in the warehouse, which was to sort through my childhood toys,
which make me feel safe and loved turned into a response to the refugee
crisis and this muddle was clearly evident in the questions people asked
and comments made. This wasn’t made as an exhibition piece, and is just
the first stage of making since the residency and the crit has
identified many elements I want to explore.
Aliyah Hussain
This
was the first time I've taken part in an art academy crit and although I
was nervous about it. I found it really useful. I'm preparing for an
interview so it was a nice way to get some feedback on my ideas and use
it as practice. I do normally work with other people and have studio
crits as I'm working but I haven't participated in something this formal
since university. I found it to be a very useful way to present work,
as it was interesting to hear the responses to the physical work and
also my reasonings and research as well as hearing different people's
interpretations of the work.
As I tend to work with quite abstract
forms, I normally allow the work to remain open and ambiguous when I
present it for exhibitions, usually relying on the titles of the work to
suggest the meaning. I enjoyed explaining in more detail and being
challenged on decisions I'd made whilst making the work. I have already
started the next phase of this work, using some of the questions asked
of me as a springboard for experimentation. It's still the early phase
of this project and I feel like it's got a way to go until I reach a
clearer conclusion, so participating in this crit has given me a more
ideas that I can work with.
Our next open crit is Wednesday 30th March - more info here.
