Hatton Gallery Issues - Essay Example

Front Door, Back Gate Display Commentary The Hatton Collection boasts of a massive collection ranging from 14th century to the present with works ofFrancis Bacon, Palma Giovane, Camillo Rocaccini, Patrick Heron, William Roberts and Victor Pasmore, of regional and national importance. Like any other Gallery, space limitation entails limited display of some works. Themed exhibits make up for this limitation so that the objects get to be displayed at one time or another. Domesticity is hardly taken as an art, or that art exists at home, in and outside the house but Painter (2002) suggests otherwise. Recent art, born of modernism, dwells with domestic themes. People from all walks of life, although learned and ingrained upon themselves the importance of "home" as well as its essence becoming a basic part of the human lifestyle rarely take a breather and view the "home" as an art. "Front Door, Back Gate" tries to encompass domesticity as theme on-going in Jeannie Finaley's exhibit at the Hatton Gallery. This exhibit is a yearly endeavour undertaken by the students from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The exhibit also reflects the limited space of domestic life as well as the varying themes underlying actions, choices, moods, and between-the-line emotions. The group have chosen "interior" and exterior" as the sub-theme showing Hatton;s historical collection along with contemporary works giving a wider variety and balance on domesticity as an art. The group also used complementary home and garden furniture to exude comfort and create an atmosphere that welcomes. Traditional gallery displays are very different from the way we display art in our homes. 'Domesticating' the gallery provides a refreshing experience for visitors and a new context for the artworks. Front Door, Back Gate The Arts and Domesticity The vivid "Red Table" by Patrick Heron reflects love and solitude as well as denoting lifestyle and exuberance. Heron have an affinity for the vivid, exotic and captivating red, and this abstract still life painting shows an interior space with a table, a selection of everyday objects. The table seems to be set for one, which addresses sustenance, yet also gives a sense of solitude. Perhaps the time and comfort of home allowed the artist to look at these ordinary objects differently. The composition is inspired by forms and patterns extracted from the domestic surrounding, which allows more artistic freedom and activates the space around the objects. Simplicity adds a flare of innocence to the painting and invites the mind to think of the story of the place. It is provocative in a sense that red is played in various hues, contrasting with the bright yellow and yet implying connectivity. It is mysterious in a way that shapes are obscured but with details that strike out like questions. Leon Maurine's "Net" photograph shows direction and sense of belonging. Likewise, the "Net" curtain photograph also reflects aspiration, privacy, territory and voyeurism. This photograph shows a glimpse through a net curtain looking out onto a blurred view. The image creates a visual link between interior and exterior. The sheer layer of the net curtain infuses the two spaces. The image conveys a "pulse" of life on both sides. It makes us think about the time spent behind and beyond the net curtain. We commonly think of interior spaces as private and reflective. Often exterior spaces are more public and engaging. The relationship between domestic public and private spaces has never been static- its boundaries are changing with time and new ways of life. The details of the net, or crocheted curtain also invokes domesticity as a pained detail of art form. It is not something to be lightly taken, but with meditation and composure. One slip of the hook, or an extra count makes an imbalanced design and finish which juts out like a sore finger. Same thing is pictured with domestic life. Everything must be in harmony and although with various patterns, a part of a whole. Front Door, Back Gate Reasons for Selection The group have selected the above mentioned objects fort this exhibit first of all because of the domestic theme within Hatton Gallery. At some point and instance, the theme is very trivial and passing, but if one really gets down to it, there exists a variety of interesting subjects attached to domesticity. And exploring the art of domesticity is like a reflection to oneself, because people live in houses, each one in a home, at one point, or even how mighty hard people or individuals may deny it. Likewise, each human also yearns for home, for a sense of belonging, so home is not only a trivial subject but a profound one. Reflections of domesticity are also quite interesting when done in novelty. It is like revisiting an old familiar place endeared to an individual, like Franz Kafka's Prague, a childhood neighborhood, and seeing it again at a different perspective. There is a sense of impasse at a point, and then, if one searches his inner self, the sense of belonging, as well the comfort that domesticity exuded becomes a refreshing insight to which it's real meaning becomes apparent. Rationale for the Interpretive Strategy The spatial arrangement had the exhibit objects grouped accordingly as needed, whether "interior" or "exterior" using art forms paintings, photographs, prints, etching, and even a video footage to present domesticity as may be depicted in the art objects. There are various ways the media were presented, in oil on canvass, acrylic, photographic prints, in framed and unframed renditions, and seemingly unfinished subjects. There were the vivid images of everyday objects in photographs and paintings as can be viewed in Roald Almliem and Eli Eines, or the painting "Red Table" by Patrick Heron and "Still Life with Bowl, Spoon and Apples" as wel as a Jaipur painting of "Indian Miniatures.". There are the suggestive themes of John Bratby's "Basin" or William Henry Charlton's "Farm, St. Rignier", or the green "In the Garden" of Simon Clarke as well as the panoramic "Up the allotment" of Tom Deakins and the reflective "Upper Denton Through A Window" by William Fawcus. Awareness of Alternative Approaches to Art Historical Interpretation and Justification of Approach Adopted The group have adopted "Front Door, Back gate" domesticity theme to present the novelty, as well as the importance of domestic life. It takes an art to make the theme stand-out, lifted from the everyday ordinariness of it for an individual or a group who may view the exhibit. Take for example a spoon. In the everyday life, people eat on a spoon, in the house, outside the house, at school or campus, or university canteen, restaurant, fast food. But if one takes a hard look at a spoon, which may have happened once, twice or more frequently while eating inside the house or after eating, or even before eating, one sees details, like an accidental dent on the edge of the handle, or a mark behind the handle, or the familiar Italian design. And then, after a while, one leaves home for university miles away. For quite some time, the spoon is forgotten. But if one sees the spoon once again with its familiar etch, dent or mark, it is not the spoon and eating alone that comes to mind. Memories flood us like we are back inside the house, hearing the lamentations of a mother while preparing a favorite or hated dish, and a brother or a sister at the other side of the table sticking his or her tongue to you. It may be absurd at one point, but the overwhelming emotion and memory is real. Just because of a spoon. Windows also provide symbolical reflection, of harmony, beauty, possibilities, opportunities and positive views about life. It frees us from confinement, and it makes the unreachable visible and a reality. Although there is a sense of limitation when viewing a window in the form of a painting, an etching or a photograph, due to the territory it denotes, windows always give the sense of freedom and reaching out. It's magical, and real at the same time, and yet, it is also so domestic. Garden, plants and pets always seem to convey belonging, sustenance, life, and the continuity of activities and life itself. It also presents the class status though accidental in a way, but nevertheless, it is there. Gardens also typify freedom and nurturing of life, a leisured lifestyle and space, the private leisure one gets out of nurturing blooms and greens. Furniture in art, in whatever form gives a sense of sturdiness, comfort, belonging, and rest. It is inviting, relaxing, and gives a sense of security to the viewer. In some ways, it may denote class standing or status, but not necessarily so. The familiar feeling is invitation to relax and subside. The exterior of the home that includes, often, the community or the neighborhood is also domesticated in a sense that "home" is in the community. Most often than not, the neighborhood and the community are a familiar fixture to everybody else's sense of "home". So, community theme was included in this selection because of the familiar feeling of belonging one gets when viewing the community or the neighborhood or every other detail that comes with it. Awareness of Conservation, Health and Safety Standard As Curatorship students, the group decided to use and include the above mentioned materials in consideration of existing available materials. Already in the Hatton Collection, there were not a lot of difficulties that the group encountered while selecting and deciding which materials must be displayed and presented. Conservation and proper care and etiquette were also taken into consideration. The group as a whole made justifications and debates whether or not to include one object or another. Since the present "domesticity" theme was helpful in this exhibit, it also posed challenge to the group on which to include and which is to pass. Part 2 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses Domesticity, at a regular and ordinary view is very un-interesting. There is the "why" and the "how' questions. But when we all got down to it, there is a sense and sensibility to "domesticity" after all. Take for instance the sense of "belonging", "security" and "fond memories." These are all important for a person. Very humane. And the group decided, domesticity after all is important and interesting. The selection process was also a big challenge. Which must and which should not With limited resources and time, it was best decided to include the arts and objects of the mentioned above. There were the classically popular, the mundane, and the ordinary. Which all speaks of domesticity: familiarity and sense of content, or belonging, or awkwardness. The group found out there are a wide range of themes within "domesticity". And while we were at it, it was fun. We were also rediscovering "home", the opportunities we missed and the chances we grabbed --- to bond and help with the family, to relax and be intimate, to rest and grow. These are all important humanitarian themes that brought us back to our senses. And somehow, it gave us a sense of direction. Knowing where the individuals of the group came from, the aspirations once again redefined, and perspectives refreshed: this is what the theme "Front Door, Back Gate" did to the group. And the group is grateful for all the moments shared and reflected. The Role and Responsibilities Within The Team (Your name-3rd person) contribution to the team was to visit the Biscuit Factory to source out contemporary works for probable inclusion in the exhibit. She also worked on the exhibit design as well as risk assessment. Likewise, Your name produced a colour-coded detailed drawing of the installation lay-out on the computer. After all these, she had to help with the editing of the materials for posting in the web site. For the marketing and promotion, Your name had to scout printing press, as well as speak to printers to inquire about best and most suitable price for the budget with 15 calls made as well as 4 online inquiries. She also distributed flyers and posters to the Baltic, Quayside and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She also performed condition checking as member of the team and worked on the preparation of the walls of the gallery by sanding and touch ups. Your name helped in measuring and hanging the art works, and then in the lighting team, had to distinguish proper lighting. After that, she had an exhibit evaluation using the questionnaire, summative observation and tracking. She also sent out online questionnaire to prospective respondents and visitors. Evaluation of Your name Contribution to the Success of the Team Overall, Your name may conclude that working with the team in the spirit of cooperation, industry, patience and sharing, her contribution is important for the success of the team. Individual output and share in group works are necessary especially for a time-constrained exhibit like "Front Door, Back Gate." But what made Your name 's contribution as important is the tram spirit itself. Without the cooperation of the whole team, the group will not be able to pull off an exhibit like the one we just have. Each of them had their own assignment and focus and helped or assisted in the others. It was the team spirit that made the exhibit a success! General Evaluation of the Success of the Group and of the Exhibition as a Finished Product The group went through a difficult, stressing at times, and really challenging project for "Front Door, Back Gate." There are the task of deciding what to include in the exhibit, how these would be presented, the materials, props, promotions and campaigns. It seemed at first that the group is not going to make it. They felt time was very limited. Space was limited. Resources were limited. But through the help and assistance of the all the people they had to drag and involve, everything went along well. They met and discussed regularly, updating who have done which task, what still need to be done, who will check this and that detail, and all the preparation. We also had difficulty in assessing the presentation: what furniture and props are needed to make the theme come out and dominant. The group had to make the posters, and had the question: where to get the finances So, the group had to raise funds and solicit sponsors. It was really a good thing that there were generous sponsors who were ready to give, although the group tried to return the favor through publicity. They put up a web page with Hatton Gallery, and it sort of compensated the effort and contributions, especially when things started shaping up. We also had to convince our sponsors, likewise, with the choice of the arts for exhibit. Will this be fine We kept asking one another. Is this favorable We were doing things at the same time. We had to address the sponsors. The Posters, the letters, the invitations, the web page. It was great curatorship work. So, this was it The actual thing And we were glad we are all here doing what we can. We have chosen this for our future, as a career, and we just have the need to tackle it. This is the moment, this is it. It is either we do it now or never: that kind of attitude. And we are glad of the outcome. We were able to hurdle all the challenges that seem at first mount one from the other. It seemed endless at first. We were overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done. We had a list and the list seemed expanding. It was supposed to shrink, but it kept expanding while we still need a lot of sponsors and cooperation. Viewing it from now, we are all glad we were able to make it. And, the rigorous project as can be seen and felt now is all worth the difficulties and the effort. As we read the comments in the guest book, words like "Great" "Fabulous!" among other adjectives made us all happy and successful. The difficulties we have gone through are erased. Reference: Art of Legend India. "Jaipur Style." From http://www.artoflegendindia.com/read/jaipur_art_painting.htm Artnet. "Patrick Heron" from http://www.artnet.com/artist/8163/patrick-heron.html Artnet. "Walter Richard Sickert." 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'Introduction', Royal Academy Illustrated. London. 1949. Painter, Colin. Contemporary Art and the Home. Berg. 2002. Robinson, G. An Arts Council for the Future. London: Arts Council of England. 1998. Romines, Ann. The Home Plot: Women, Writing & Domestic Ritual. University of Massachusetts Press. 1992 Siegel, Jeanne. "Eva Hesse's Influence Today Conversations with Three Contemporary Artists." Art Journal Vo. 63. 2004. Structural Images of the North East (SINE). "William Henry Charlton." July 2003. From http://sine.ncl.ac.uk/features/charlton/charlton_1.asp Tate Collection. "Martin Naylor" from http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWorkcgroupid=999999961&workid=22033&searchid=8390&tabview=text The Biscuit Factory. "Jennifer Pearce." From http://www.thebiscuitfactory.com/profile.phpbrandname=Jennifer%20Pearce Whitford Fine Art from http://www.whitfordfineart.com/pages/biography/233.html Yerburry, F.R. Old Domestic Architecture of Holland. The Architectural Press. 1924 Read More