Creating the Void

For my integrated project, I have explained in my previous post through my PLP the chosen direction I have decided to undergo in response to the brief of 'Without Walls'. In terms of progression, I have researched the conceptual relevance of a void as well as spirtiutal reflection based on this, then explored further into Buddhism as infinite emptiness and voids are a focal element of this spirituality. I felt I had completed a comprehensive amount of research into the conceptual side of a void, therefore began to look into where voids can be found especially in terms of architecture as this is filled with space, which essentially makes up the form of a void, therefore we are surrounded by the void. From this, I then began to look into shapes and found that the rectangle would be best suited to act as the basis of the creation of a void, as it signifies a 3D structure as well as mass and form, which is exactly what I intend to create; I am creating something which cannot usually be seen but is all around us and by using rectangles to do this, I am using the most encountered shape in our every day lives. I want to focus on creating a void through rectangles as the focal form, and depict movement and transition within the piece to illustrate the void taking a stance. I want it to look as if the void is falling out of space and forming around the space we consume, and by doing this it will allow the piece to be interchangable which the brief requires as we are surrounded by space so no matter where it is placed, it will be inevitably rightly situated.

I have began by cutting perspex into various different sizes starting with 5cm, 7cm, 9cm, 11cm then 13cm which will show the progression of the void forming from space. I want to recreate a spilling effect, almost as if a tap has been turned on and the particles that make up our surrounding space can be depicted through the shapes in my artwork. Here are pictures showing my progression through the start of a maquette; it displays how the start of the piece would look and from this would gradually get bigger and form a curved effect which would allow it to freestand.

Without Walls...

To give an idea of where I plan on going with the 'Without Walls' brief, I will copy in a copy of my PLP which gives an indicator of what is to happen.

Statement of Intent: For the brief of ‘Without Walls’, I automatically began to think of an absence which was provoked by the word ‘Without’. From this, I have decided to investigate into the initial connotations of the word ‘without’ which consumes the brief, depicting a lacking or emptiness. My thoughts were then transferred to the thought of an infinite emptiness, displayed through the word ‘void’. This word is powerful as it suggestively incorporates itself into the title of the brief through word association. I want to therefore focus on the void within the brief, by interpreting this in the direction of emptiness and how the whole notion of perception can be challenged through this. By focusing on a void through emptiness doesn’t necessarily need to be perceived in a negative way, as emptiness is the ground of everything, therefore everything is possible. The void will represent infinite possibilities and no limitations, just as the brief title suggests as I attempt to engage the viewer to appreciate the value of a void. A void can be formed in as many ways as it can be perceived, making it interchangeable to whomever the viewer happens to be. This then makes it relatable in many ways people would not initially assume or consider. Fundamentally, I aim to produce an installation piece which depicts the notion of a void and reflects the value of emptiness, as it allows freedom in the highest of prospects. I want to signify that the absence within the brief can be perceived in such a way that we learn to value the creation that is attainable within a void, and whether the viewer perceives the void in a negative or positive light, the notion of the void existing over writes the emptiness it may initially suggest into something with endless possibilities.

Methods, Materials and Processes: Method To represent my concept, I want to start by looking further into materials or objects which depict a void, and how a void can be created and perceived in many different ways. As I am focusing on the value that a void can have, I feel that I should create my own void instead of finding one within a space but maintain awareness towards the special significance any void has. By focusing on the word ‘reflect’ within my statement of intent, glass would be an interesting element to use to manifest a void by engaging shadows as well as creating a void which we can see through illustrating the value that a void can have. Process I also want to look into the symbolism and concept of a void, and research more into the way a void works, and how it can be perceived. By doing this, I will learn how to appreciate the emptiness a void depicts and value what can be achieved through this. The need for our society to fill every space with any article possible, rather than appreciating the value that an ‘idle’ space can have, highlights our ignorance towards the matter which can be explored through further research and exploration. Materials Material wise, as mentioned before I think glass would be interesting as a subject matter for void due to the ability for our eyes to shift from looking at it, to looking through it. ‘Art is not about what you see, it is about what you saw’, This quote illustrates the perception side of things I hope to portray through the possible use of glass or other material which we can ‘see’ through, as well as acknowledge. I feel a variety of materials should be experimented with which can display a void or capture an ‘emptiness’ in order to ensure the best result of aesthetics as well as concept.

Proposed Research: For this particular idea, I believe researching into the notion of a void and the emotion it can attain as well as the space it consequently consumes will drive my research. I want to explore the significance of an empty space, as well as the loss of meaning it has begun to have within our society as we drive to consume every space accessible. The term ‘without walls’ highlights the freedom that space can achieve within a society as well as the absence it can also depict through connotations to the word ‘without’ which will be explored through research into perception of space and special awareness. Further exploration would then be undertaken into how a void can be created and manifested and in what situ would this be most appropriate. The whole notion of a void will be explored through various materials and experimental processes that characterize the initial concept well and those that are easy to manipulate. Scale would also be an issue depending on what sort of impact I want to create which would be considered by creating a range of suitable maquettes. Artists which explore the notion of emptiness, voids, and excess space would be beneficial as well as exploring those who create outdoor artwork as this brief requires the artwork to be situated outdoors, with the potential to be exhibited indoors as well, therefore interchangeable. I will consider the way in which other artists explore the theme of emptiness as they delve into varying mediums and perceptions of the subject at hand, such as;       - Lee Ufan                                  - Christian Robert-Tissot                                - Jitish Kallat -Noriko Ambe                                 - Sanford Biggers                            -Marie-Josee Laframboise The above artists are completely diverse in approach, yet all have a similar connection within their work which is their varying perception of emptiness. By looking at a variety, I am allowing the best possible start for the project as an array of influences investigating the theme using different techniques will inspire me to think outside the box.

Expected Outcomes: I aim to produce a body of work with well selected and appropriate research material considering relevant artists and materials that will engage well with the final artwork. In addition to this, I intend to fabricate significant maquettes and explore different materials which could be used in the final piece to explore different techniques and resources. Overall, the main objective is to produce an artwork in response to the brief of ‘Without Walls’ by focusing on the notion of a void by interpreting this in the direction of emptiness and how the whole notion of perception can be challenged through this.  I want to signify that the absence within the brief can be perceived in such a way that we learn to value the creation that is attainable within a void, as this doesn’t necessarily need to be perceived in a negative way as emptiness is the ground of everything, therefore everything is possible. The void will represent infinite possibilities and no limitations, just as the brief title suggests as I attempt to engage the viewer to appreciate the value of a void. Time Plan This is an indication of the date I wish to start each section and what I intend to do within the time along with the finishing date for each section. I have decided to include a rough time plan within the PLP and construct a detailed action plan using Microsoft Excel in addition to this to better demonstrate how I propose to structure my time. Brief Issued-  05/03/12 PLP completed – 14/03/12 Research       Research into brief – 15/03/12                        Initial ideas                        Artists Research – 22/03/12                    Development  Research and development of concepts- 26/03/12                        Explore symbolism of a void                        Investigate into challenging perception through excess space                        Final concept selected                        Develop methods and select media                        Consider construction                        Maquettes/Experimentation - 23/04/12 Final               Begin Creation of artwork - 25/04/11                        Finishing touches                        Artwork Completed – 17/05/12

Criteria for Assessment: Coursework will be assessed against the stated Module Learning Outcomes. The following criteria will be considered in assessment: ·       Quality of individual ideas and concepts. ·       Skill in research & applied problem solving. ·       Consideration and awareness of contextual issues and subject knowledge. ·       Confidence and coherence in exploring and developing ideas & concepts visually. ·       Practical skills and appropriate use of media & tools. ·       Project management skills including: appropriate use of time, media & resources. ·       Quality of creative outcomes, including visual, written & oral presentation. ·       Critical evaluation and analysis of progress and outcomes.

The blogging begins again!

It has been a while since I last blogged, and I realised that during the last project of Non Place I failed to mention the brief of Multiples which is due in the day before a new brief called 'Without Walls'.

I will focus on multiples and insert my PLP and where I am in terms of thoughts and direction. For the brief of Multiples we are required to produce a body of artwork in response to the brief illustrating our selected pathway as well as conceptual development.

Multiples PLP

Statement of Intent: For the brief of multiples, I have decided to take a not so obvious route to focus on for the multiples theme, and thought by focusing on something we can all relate to such as ‘continuous changes’ clearly identifies and links with multiplicity as we change as we grow which can happen multiple times, to multiple people. I feel that by focusing on the direction of changes in the form of transformation is relevant due to the continuous changes that occur both physically and mentally as we develop and mature. Instead of interpreting this just by focusing on change to illustrate transformation, I also want to identify the elements of ourselves that lack transformation, those key elements that remain the same throughout our life, such as our fingerprints. This would then create a paradox within the brief as the possibility of focusing on fingerprints which is an unalterable element of us to unite in with something which represents transformation and change, such as a butterfly would then create an interesting contradiction.  Our fingerprints never change, therefore the use of fingerprints within the theme of transformation highlights that through change, also comes an element of stability. This then creates a paradox within the theme which also creates another pathway of exploration. Through transformation and change, a person can often become confused and an element of disorder can overtake their life, and by highlighting something as a constant, brings reassure to both the change, and the constant. A fingerprint also acts as a means of authentication, as they are used to identify people therefore continue to support the fact that the paradox of including fingerprints with the theme of transformations only reiterates the fact that no matter how much we feel or others feel we have changed, this element of ourselves remains invariable. Fundamentally, I am highlighting through the paradox of using fingerprints to represent transformation I am emphasizing of the importance of a constant aspect of ourselves through the continuous changes we go through as an individual. This can be understood to be seen as a multiple through the numerous transformations that occur within our life to us personally, and through the manifold of people that can relate to their need for change, as well as those unnerved by it.

Methods, Materials and Processes: Material wise, I want to use something that can display the finer details which exist within a fingerprint, as well retain an element of simplicity, therefore prints or drawing could be used as well as creating a 3d form with finer details of a fingerprint by creating silk paper and manipulating it. Paper cutting would also achieve these effects when treated with extreme accuracy and precision. My working method for the brief of multiples will start by investigating into the symbolism of multiple transformations, which entities represent change and what this can potentially add to the overall concept in terms of its use within the project. From this, I will also uncover the history of fingerprints and the varying types of fingerprints that exist and possibly explore how our fingerprints are formed. I want to concentrate on the paradox within the project and by focusing on symbolism, metaphors and psychological links with objects to the connotations they portray will help with this. I also want to focus on the identity side of the theme as fingerprints were used in ancient china as signatures which could be a route for further research and development.

Proposed Research: As described before, I believe my research will form round the basis of multiple changes and transformations, then follow on with research into fingerprints and the symbolism of each fingerprint, their uses and advances in practice. Further research would need to be carried out in terms of representing or creating a piece which epitomises transformation and clearly identifies the multiple that exists within this theme. My current thoughts have made me think about butterflies, as they are the symbol of transformation in many religions due to its connection with the soul. We are all on a long journey of the transformation throughout our lifetime and on this journey we encounter endless turns, shifts, and conditions that cause us to morph into ever-finer beings. At our soul-journey’s end we are inevitably changed – not at all the same as when we started on the path. More exploration would also need to be carried out into the making and construction of the artwork so I have a more thorough analysis of what I intend to work with giving me the best possible knowledge of its functioning. Experimentation would also need to be carried out in relation of materials that characterize the initial concept well and those that are easy to manipulate. Scale, materials and composition would also be an issue depending on what sort of impact I want to create which would be considered by creating a range of suitable maquettes. I will begin by exploring artists who create multiples such as; David Batchelor, Andrea Mastrovito, Ai Weiwei, Xavier Veilhan, Xia Xiaowan All of the above artists vary in style and approach to multiples which will give me a broad and thorough range of research material to inspire me throughout the project.

Expected Outcomes: I aim to produce a body of work with well selected and appropriate research material considering relevant artists and materials that will engage well with the final artwork. In addition to this, I intend to fabricate significant maquettes and explore different materials which could be used in the final piece to explore different techniques and resources. Overall, I want to explore the theme of multiple transformations and changes by exploring key aspects of ourselves which remains unaffected by change. I want to create a paradox through my artwork as explained previously through the use of an object which represents transformation combined with an aspect of ourselves which remains unalterable. The theme of multiples will be exposed through both the artwork and concept, as a transformation can be understood as a multiple through the continuous changes we go through as individuals and the multitude of people who experience change. The final artwork should be aesthetically pleasing as well as conceptually sound to ensure the brief has been worked to its fullest potential. Brief Issued- 25/01/12 Research       Research into brief – 1/02/12                        Initial ideas                        Artists Research – 8/02/12                    Development  Research and development of concepts- 13/02/12                        Explore symbolism of transformation and fingerprint                        Investigate representation of concepts                        Final concept selected                        Develop methods and select media                        Consider construction                        Maquettes/Experimentation - 18/04/12 Final               Begin Creation of artwork - 25/04/12                        Finishing touches                        Artwork Completed – 16/5/12

Criteria for Assessment: Coursework will be assessed against the stated Module Learning Outcomes. The following criteria will be considered in assessment: ·       Quality of individual ideas and concepts. ·       Skill in research & applied problem solving. ·       Consideration and awareness of contextual issues and subject knowledge. ·       Confidence and coherence in exploring and developing ideas & concepts visually. ·       Practical skills and appropriate use of media & tools. ·       Project management skills including: appropriate use of time, media & resources. ·       Quality of creative outcomes, including visual, written & oral presentation. ·       Critical evaluation and analysis of progress and outcomes.

This therefore clarifies direction towards multiple transformations and changes, with the addition of a paradox, by focusing on fingerprints. So far, I have began looking into the symbolism of butterflies and the metaphorical value they hold due to the significance of metamorphosis within my focus of transformation. I then began to look into my second idea of multiple identities and thus began to look at fingerprints as this is an element of ourselves which never changes.

This then resulted in the merge of ideas displayed in the concept within the PLP, followed by a deeper exploration into materials for the butterflies to be created from. By thinking of materials which relate to my concept resulted in the thought of recycling and reusing materials, this would then further my concept as recycled materials go through a massive transformation from one thing, to another. I researched into the facts about recycling and came across a fact which said it takes 500 years for plastic to decompose. This gave me the motivation to explore plastic butterflies as this material undergoes the largest transformation in order to be recycled, which I started by creating maquettes of plastic butterflies from clear and white plastic from juice and milk bottles.

Previous to this experimentation, I also explored the avenue of paper cutting and created 3D butterflies firstly with card, then old coloured paper with the remainings of text upon it to explore this idea further.



So all in all, I have experimented with card and newsprint paper, as well as a range of plastics but my aim is to continue this further by experimenting with silk paper and then begin constructing my final from the basis of which material works best in terms of relation to concept and aesthetically. In addition to this, while undergoing research into fingerprints for the idea of Identity, I began to look at fingerprint patterns. From this, I have decided this will form the composition for the butterflies, to add a subtle hint of reassurance within an artwork based around change, as fingerprints are known for their identification merit which cannot be stripped.

More to be posted in relation to the multiples project soon!