Gallery visits December 2014

Gallery visits December 2014

Tate Modern : Sigmar Polke

When we went to these gallery visits as a group, we scouted out the symbols and context that had a strong relationship with "Appropriation" which was the topic we were discussing about

This piece was interesting, painted on bubble wrap, found material. Raw material

The Swastika originally was considered to be a very sacred symbol in Hindusim, originally perceived as a symbol of success and promising fortune. It was later appropriated and altered by the Nazis. 

Other things like the symbol of the Eagle, used in the Nazis as a symbol of strength is now also used in todays world, American symbol too. 

Tate Modern: Omer Fast - "The Casting"

This was a really interesting piece, 4 videos being projected onto both sides of the 2 slides, a story was being told. Composition. 

Serpentine Gallery: Reiner Ruthenbeck

Lots of found material used by Ruthenbeck

Tables, paper, rope, everyday items altered and recontexualized for the viewers. 

It changes your perspective on how you see the subjects. 

Tables aren't usually seen from this angle 

And even if you have the urge to fix it, you can't because there is a line that prevents you from entering. 

Serpentine Sackler Gallery: Julio Le Parc

Parc uses a lot of political figures in his work but he alters them to make it playful and less serious. 

He made games for all ages to interact and play with. 

All this research and gallery visits brought us onto our presentation in which we made for the unit. 

 Our presentation went rather well in my opinion. Really well

We talked fluidly about the subject of appropriation and when it got to the questions part at the end, this subject brought in many questions. 

The discussion between us nearly went on longer than the presentation itself.

Overall this was really beneficial, it extended our knowledge on the subject of appropriation, it brought different views and opinions together that helps with our perception of different kinds of views on appropriation which will help develop our practice. 

Brand New Gallery Opening! Sackler gallery + Serpentine gallery

Serpentine Sackler Gallery

This is a new part of the Serpentine Gallery. Sackler Gallery is a new addition making it now two. 

The artist presenting his work in the brand new gallery is Adrian Villar Rojas. 

His work is truly amazing, not only the work shown here. If you haven't heard of him, have a look on the internet. You will be amazed!

 The elephant here is carrying on her back an external architecture facade of the Sackler gallery. She has been weighed down with extreme force but she is committing all of her energy to pushing against it. Its rather symbolises the animal.

What i enjoy about this exhibition is that you could really smell the ceramic, it was like it hadn't settled in completely, it was still a working process. Does the smell suggest that it was not complete?

The groundwork was an interesting change to gallery floors. It was made out of brings stacked alongside each other. Not all the bricks were stuck on still, some wobbled around in their cramped spaces.
I guess if the floor was the galleries bright white surface, it would create a misunderstood contrast between the works. Brick balances out the colour and pulls more focus into Adrian's work.

Stunning!

The work encourages interaction from its viewers. 

I enjoyed seeing the cracks in the work, it created more surface texture which can made it more visually appealing. 

People waiting to get in. Not a long wait but has to be done to reduce any accidents inside that causes breakage of work. 

More of Rojas's work, like walking into his studio and seeing all the mini pieces of work he's made. A collective of all his creations, imaginations, thoughts and more

Different material combinations, unusual objects, wide variety of sizes. 

Still not completely sure what this room is for. It was empty but the blue glass window gave the space a nice glow. 

Serpentine gallery

Outside was this beautifully constructed piece of Art, very abstract and can be walked on. 

Also underneath is a small resting place, enjoy a nice warm drink while seeing others walk on top of you. 

This reminds me of Thomas Heatherwick's Seed Cathedral. 

Except you could walk on that,

What a shame.

 

Inside was an exhibition by Marisa Merz. She is an Italian Sculpture and her woe was rather interesting. 

This was made out of Aluminium. When i saw this, i immediately thought of Rojas's Elephant. This looks like an elephant's trunk doesn't it?

Or something out of the movie predators. 

I am sorry to say i didn't take a lot of photos here, only because we weren't allowed to. When people in the gallery tell me i can't take pictures, it only makes me want to do the opposite.
I try to be sneaky and take pictures spyishly. (Not a real word i know but you know what i mean)

She had knitted copper wire. It was amazing to see up close. metal like copper wire is flexible but not as flexible as .... cotton. She made it seem so easy. This must of taken some time to do but it was worth it. It looks really good!