Curation
Beyond my personal artistic practice, I immerse myself in the dynamic world of organizing exhibitions that showcase diverse voices and perspectives.
A Question Of Time?
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
Febuary to March 2024
In our third year, we were tasked with organising a midway exhibition, which I viewed as the first installment of a two-part series leading up to our upcoming degree show. To promote consistency across our varied artistic practices, we looked for a unifying topic, inspired by artist Lucia Wooding's conceptof "A Question Of Time?" Given the inherent connection between time and our own artistic endeavours, the idea struck a deep chord, albeit to various degrees of obviousness.
A concept arose for displaying artworks alongside their respective time investments, so answering the title question. Each artist was asked regarding the length of time required for their creations, generating comments ranging from mere hours to generations.
We chose a different site from Arcadia and got the first-floor space at Rugby Art Gallery. Warren Shaw, the gallery's resident technician, provided vital support during the installation process. Improved understanding of the installation process allowed for a quick assembly time, which took only a day and a half.
The total experience was preferable to Arcadia, because to the acquired expertise and the exhibition's conceptual depth. This endeavour served as the first chapter in our degree show journey, and it was a compelling start to our joint artistic showcase.
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Environments In Arcadia
Artspace Arcadia Gallery
June 2023
A member of our second-year cohort inintatied the idea of having a second year sow show to commemorate our academic success. I decided to manage this endevour as curator. Notably, this was Coventry University's first second-year showcase in about a decade. While we lacked a defined theme framework at first, our common focus on environmental problems from the prior semester steered our discussions. Extensive investigation into potential sites throughout Coventry proceeded, balancing creative freedom with financial constraints. Finally, we chose Arcadia in Coventry's city centre, naming our show "Environments in Arcadia."
While specific groups were assigned with marketing, catalogue creation, and website development, practical constraints forced a few individuals to take on extra roles. Evelynn Wenman, a former Coventry University student and friend, gladly assisted with the installation.
Over the course of three days, artworks were gradually delivered and carefully erected, representing our first experience with curatorial tasks, albeit with significant pressures. A private viewing event preceded the exhibition's public debut, which lasted a fortnight at Arcadia. I mostly served as an invigilator, with rotating assistants joining me every day.
Following the exhibition's closure, approximately 160 visitors provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, confirming the endeavor's success. Despite the hurdles, this method provided vital experience and increased my confidence in my curatorial talents.
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Emergeny Exhbition
Foleshill Art Studio
Early 2023
Following artist Andrew Gillespie's challenge, we created an experimental exhibit within our studio space. We brainstormed on a variety of possibilities, including suspended installations and using the bike shelters as a showcase. However, the idea that fascinated us the most revolved around an alcove near an emergency escape.
We explored the idea as a group, imagining a scenario in which visitors came across the artwork as they were leaving. Assuming responsibility, I managed this experimental endeavour, asking studio artists to present their works sequentially within the room, each given a brief half-hour window.
Each artist's contribution was complemented by an illuminating dialogue about their artistic approach. Personally, organising this event was challenging as I traversed the studio, coordinating installations and doing interviews with my assistant. Nonetheless, the experience was tremendously satisfying.
In conclusion, this venture provided a stimulating introduction to the domains of curation and exhibition management, motivating additional reflection on these critical components of the artistic process.
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