Solo show
For the solo show two (2) large scale paintings (3 x 2 inches and 6 x 2 inches) were hung on the white wall, hung at two different levels. The smaller piece was higher up the wall, and the larger scale piece was hung only a few inches up the wall. The paintings were displayed in untraditional fashion from the usual format that paintings are displayed within the gallery space. I wanted to reflect the action of hunting for belemnites, where the viewer would have to look down at the piece at the belemnite.
In the centre of the space were two (2) plinths with thirty two (32) belemnite fossils (16 on each). The plinths were symmetrical to the paintings, they were central in between the two paintings and reflected the two levels that the paintings were being displayed. One plinths was taller than the other one, positioned to be touching on another, making a step like structure.
The belemnites are cleaned and displayed in a structured order, as if displayed within a museum. The paintings seem to reflect and display how the belemnites were found, deep within the sand, with layer upon layer above them. The viewer can see the process of the materials being layered on the painting, there is a feeling of digging. Just as though the artist has dug through the materials on the board and discovered the belemnite fossil within the landscape.
It was commented that more paintings would have made the display stronger, due to the space not being filled with work. However, it was argued that maybe it was my intention to only select two of my paintings to display within the space. This reflects that the fossils are rare and in the motion of looking for belemnite fossils you may only find two within the sized space.
The feedback I received about the coffee being used were mixed opinions. Some people could see past it being just coffee, but as a medium for creating work due to its deep glossy tones. Whereas others would question why paint wasn’t used instead of an everyday substance. Coffee is a natural and organic material, made from the earth which created a conversation with the subject within the painting which is also a natural organic object.
Out of the two paintings, the larger scale painting (displayed a few inches off the floor) was considered the strongest painting by the viewers. The piece seemed more confident in its use of materials, the space of the board didn’t have to be covered by layers and layers of coffee and paint. Whereas the smaller piece (displayed towards the top of the wall) seemed more controlled and the space seemed cluttered with the mediums.
Overall there were mixed reviews from the display within the space and the work being displayed. Some people felt that the space needed to be filled more, whereas felt that only having two paintings within the space was a reflection of finding the belemnites. More paintings will be created as I now have great confidence within the materials that I am working with, and I feel that more paintings will be needed in the future to display within a gallery space.
In the centre of the space were two (2) plinths with thirty two (32) belemnite fossils (16 on each). The plinths were symmetrical to the paintings, they were central in between the two paintings and reflected the two levels that the paintings were being displayed. One plinths was taller than the other one, positioned to be touching on another, making a step like structure.
The belemnites are cleaned and displayed in a structured order, as if displayed within a museum. The paintings seem to reflect and display how the belemnites were found, deep within the sand, with layer upon layer above them. The viewer can see the process of the materials being layered on the painting, there is a feeling of digging. Just as though the artist has dug through the materials on the board and discovered the belemnite fossil within the landscape.
It was commented that more paintings would have made the display stronger, due to the space not being filled with work. However, it was argued that maybe it was my intention to only select two of my paintings to display within the space. This reflects that the fossils are rare and in the motion of looking for belemnite fossils you may only find two within the sized space.
The feedback I received about the coffee being used were mixed opinions. Some people could see past it being just coffee, but as a medium for creating work due to its deep glossy tones. Whereas others would question why paint wasn’t used instead of an everyday substance. Coffee is a natural and organic material, made from the earth which created a conversation with the subject within the painting which is also a natural organic object.
Out of the two paintings, the larger scale painting (displayed a few inches off the floor) was considered the strongest painting by the viewers. The piece seemed more confident in its use of materials, the space of the board didn’t have to be covered by layers and layers of coffee and paint. Whereas the smaller piece (displayed towards the top of the wall) seemed more controlled and the space seemed cluttered with the mediums.
Overall there were mixed reviews from the display within the space and the work being displayed. Some people felt that the space needed to be filled more, whereas felt that only having two paintings within the space was a reflection of finding the belemnites. More paintings will be created as I now have great confidence within the materials that I am working with, and I feel that more paintings will be needed in the future to display within a gallery space.