As part of the MA course we are split into groups and asked to create and curate a joint show around a theme/name chosen by our tutor. The title of my groups show was chosen to be 'In Place of Speaking' below is the information and text of the show.
In Place Of Speaking “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” ― George Washington The voice of the artist is a multifaceted thing not reliant on speech. Speaking can be difficult. To speak out or speak up. To simply know what to say. The voice of the artist is rooted in action. Infinite acts of creation and expression; capable of giving physical presence to ideas and narratives. Ideas like the censorship of speech. The things you do not want to hear or simply do not wish to know. Things you might simply have never thought of. Stories told or retold in new ways. Such is its power, all in the place of speaking.
Thomas Best is principally a digital artist and photographer. ‘Lets Never Speak Of It’ explores the of suppression of information and the act of keeping secrets. In a modern age where truth plays second fiddle to spectacle, we must ask ourselves too often if we did not know or chose not to know. ‘Lets Never Speak Of It’, Digital print, 59cm x 84cm. November 2020.
Catherine McCaw-Aldworth is a multimedia artist working predominantly in sculpture and installation, exploring themes of home in relation to the human body. When thinking about travelling to other places in the universe it seems extremely out of reach, but yet we can talk to people on the other side of the world by simply calling on a phone. Much like the movie E.T when the alien calls for rescue, I wonder what would happen if we could phone home. Where would the call go? Who would pick up? ‘Phone home’, 1m MDF board, gold plate, painted expanding foam, cord telephone. November 2020.
Janet McWilliam’s work is mainly in painting, collage and print and her practice investigates colour process and abstraction. ‘Free Spirit’, is her latest collage piece, presented on loose canvas and this time hung on a washing line. The work continues her exploration into Materiality and Feminist issues. It explores the matter of things and points to the entanglements, and to the complexities of role. ‘Free Spirit’, Collage, 1m x 1.4m, Acrylic paint, acrylic ink, shoelaces, ribbon, lace, blouse sleeve, plastic shopping bag, fruit netting, terracotta pot dust, printed paper, Golden Gel, PVA glue. November 2020.
Stefanie Williams is a mixed media artist working at the interface of art and science. ‘Because Of’ explores the censorship of doctors and scientists in our current world, where nonconforming opinions are suppressed ‘for the greater good’ of society. The phrase “because of” is often used as a reasoning when freedom of speech is curtailed in any such way. ‘‘Because Of’, Digital print, ink, dried flowers, thread, keys. 126cm x 68cm. November 2020.
This Small show got some really great feedback and I felt that it was really cohesive and that all of the pieces communicated well in the space together.
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