The Social Impact of Two Artwork Collections - Case Study Example

Introduction In the recent past, there has been an increasing focus on exploring the utility, distribution and the influence of the research studies done in non-academic fields of study. This curiosity can be partly, attributed to the political pressure aimed at demonstrating or giving evidence of the public value contained in the different investments. Proving the value underlying such projects allows for the continuation of study within the wider public discourse in industry, cultural and policy circles. In almost all cases, research councils are required to show the wider impact and the value of academic studies (University of Leeds [a]). This leads to the question that needs answers, which is: what does art research contribute to the society? The question can also query what the influence or the impacts of arts research are, outside the circles of academic work. Through the exploration of two artwork collections, impact should be demonstrated in social, economic, and cultural circles. Through this paper, the author will demonstrate the social impact of the exhibitions created by two artists; more attention will be offered to the reactions and the responses of visitors. Methodology This study will be used to explore the role played by artworks and its impacts in the society. For this particular case study, the researcher will only focus on the social impact of artworks, as tools that can be used to drive change or to communicate a message within the society. A descriptive model will be used for this study. The study will rely on the reactions offered by the viewers of the two artworks, as well as a review of available literature about the two artworks used as the cases for the study. Through the combination of the information collected from different sources of literature, as well as the views offered by the visitors that viewed the two artworks After consolidating the information collected from the different sources, the author will consolidate the information into a unified set of conclusions, summarizing information about the intended audience, the intended outcomes, the role of the artworks in society and also the impacts of the works. Research and findings Through the review of literature, it was found that the ‘translation’ exhibition was developed by Jim Pattison, who is a lecturer at the school of Finer Art, at the University of Dundee (University of Dundee). The research of Jim Pattison took more than ten years, focusing on the translation of information and images using digital equipment, entailing the remodelling and the transformation of the virtual images captured during his exposure to medical procedures. The creation of the exhibition entailed the transformation of virtual images into prints, paintings and sculptures. The creation of the art exhibition started in 1999, after Jim was diagnosed and found to have renal failure (University of Dundee). Following the diagnosis of the condition, he underwent CAPD procedures until July of 2002, when he had a kidney transplant done. Throughout the experiences of his diagnosis, undergoing the procedural dialysis and the transplantation process, he felt the urge to create a visual artwork covering the experience. The exercise led to the creation of the ‘translation exhibition’, which showcased the experiences, in a visual form. The development of the visual exhibition was funded using the grant offered by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). In the case of “in search of a hidden landscape” the creator of the arts exhibition is David Barker. Like Pattison, Barker is a lecturer at the school of design, in the University of Leeds (University of Leeds 1). Barker’s project was created as an account and an interpretation of the mining of fluorspar and lead, as well as the history of North Pennines and the surrounding communities. The exhibition explores the experiences of the community after the mines were closed, including that, the community was affected by economic and social depression (Walker 16). Through the accounts collected from the miners that worked at the mines in the past, the project tells of their experience and also acted as a historical account (University of Leeds [a]). The artist’s interest in the history of the mining community and the mining activities could be pointed out from the fact that his father worked as a coalminer before he was injured badly. The fact that his father was a miner demonstrates the personal connection between the artist and the study of mines and mining activities (Walker 16). The social message communicated through the different artworks Through the ‘translation’ Pattison intended to communicate insights about two issues that the community can associate with, 1) the experience of suffering from kidney disease and 2) the communication processes that take place in spheres of medicine. In communicating these issues to the community, Pattison showcased the experience of kidney dialysis and the suffering caused by diseases in general (University of Dundee). Through the artwork, the artist intended to communicate the emotional blend that affects a person who is sick, including fear, relief and confusion, through an enjoyable, vivid experience (McArthur 21). By showcasing the communication between him and medical personnel, Pattison reiterated the responsibility of medical personnel in communicating negative information to their patients, with the aim of enriching and improving the attention they give to patients (University of Dundee). Through the logical model perpetuated through translations, the artist showcased the explicit and the hidden assumptions that underlie the means and the ends within the society. Through ‘in search of a hidden landscape’ Barker communicated a different message and theme within the community, in relation to the history of local community and the people’s experiences. Through the narratives of two retired fluorspar miners, the artist creates an account about the past experiences of the miners and the society in general; the accounts could have been lost entirely, in the case that the artwork was not created (Walker3). Through retelling the account, the artist emphasized the importance of local identity and local pride, and demonstrates the importance of incorporating local people in the development plans of society (University of Leeds [a]). The exhibition communicated a lot about the local community, including the positive and the negative. The visitors and viewers of the artwork received a taste of the social complexity of society, including regret, sadness, relief and nostalgia. In particular, the locals of the area liked the project because it showcased their history and lives, particularly the difficulties that faced the miners of the community (University of Leeds [a]). Through the exhibition, Barker communicated the wider issues that face society, including the connections detected between the culture of the Pennines; the culture of the viewers’ respective communities and also their personal sense of identity. Through the exhibition, the visitors of the artwork were reminded about the importance and the value of community, as well as the risks that face a rootless society. Through the exhibition, the work of the museum was expanded, to include that of compelling the viewers to reflect on identity and the hardships of community, as well as the role that the arts can play in modern life. The Outcomes and the impacts felt within the society Through the ‘translation’, Pattison imparts the feelings of comfort among the patients of kidney problems; the patients experience relief, from knowing that it is a problem that can be overcome. Through the exhibition, the artist clarifies about the feelings and the thoughts surrounding kidney transplants and dialysis (University of Dundee). The artwork shows and appreciates differences in the interpretations of different people, and also shows that all interpretations are valid. Through the artwork, the impacts felt in society include that scientists are encouraged to move past the aesthetics of digital medical images. Secondly, the work encourages patients and medical staffs to aid the interpretation and the communication of patients at the personal and the collective level (McArthur 10). The outcomes of Walker’s exhibition included that the role of the museum was enhanced; visitors and community as a whole were encouraged to look at things differently and decision makers and planners are encouraged to explore the history of communities and not taking only the present situation into account (Walker 18). The impacts felt within the society, and the societies of the viewers include that society in general recognised the importance of local confidence and identity (University of Leeds [a]). Through the work, the residents of the area as well as the visitors were encouraged to rethink the value of their community, as well as the underlying links that control and define it (Walker 16). Conclusion For some time, there has been an increased interest in knowing the value of and the utility of the research studies and the investments made in non-academic spheres. For that reason, this paper explored the role of art in the social circle of community. The study employed a literature review methodology, where the information collected from different literatures was merged with the views expressed by the viewers of the two artworks. Through the study, it became evident that art can be used as a tool to educate the society, to remind people about their history and their values and also to change the outlook of society. For example, through the ‘translation’, the community was informed about the role of medical personnel as social actors. Works Cited McArthur, Euan. Translations: Jim Pattison. Dundee, Scotland: Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, 2007. Print. University of Dundee. From Transplant to `Translations': Translations by Jim Pattison. University of Dundee, 5 June. 2006. Web. 17 April. 2014. University of Leeds. Land2: David Walker-Barker. University of Leeds, 2014. Web. 17 April. 2014. University of Leeds (a). Land2: In Search of a Hidden Landscape. University of Leeds, 2014. Web. 17 April. 2014. Walker, David. Realities and histories: In search of a hidden landscape. Journal of Visual Art Practice, 5. 1-2(2006): 5-20. Appendices: None. The Research was primarily a review of available literature Read More