The Archive: Degree Show
Graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Dundee University in 2017.
What do you think of when you hear the phrase ‘the elements’? Do you think of water, wind, earth and fire? Our different individual associations create different perceptions of the same object/idea. I used content (differing associations), context (differing surroundings), and concrete (differing materials) to alter the perceived meaning of ‘the elements’.
Content
A0 reduction woodcuts
Eighty people were asked the question ‘what is the first word that comes to mind when I say: water, wind, earth and fire?’ Each response was typed into google and the first selection of images were used to create a composition for each element which were, in turn, transformed into woodcuts. This a snapshot of different perceptions of a given word in a given moment in time.
Earth
Wind
Water
Fire
Context
An image is the reproduction of something seen; it has been separated from its original context, both in place and time, therefore changing its original meaning. The way of seeing this ‘new’ image has changed because of its context. Associations are created when objects, stripped of their habitual usage, are classified and re-classified in the culture where they are considered in changing contexts.
The portable installation allows this idea to be visualised: as the images themselves (the prints contained in the rucksack) are taken out of the context of the gallery and transported, via the purpose-made rucksack, into the outside landscape. Each individual will have attached different associations to each different environment and therefore these will affect how they view the image itself.
Perception’s Chorus Rucksack was photographed in 232 different locations to allow these different contexts to attach different associations to the symbol on the box. The locations chosen are places in and around Dundee that have shaped the way I view it; thus the associations that I have with each place become attached to the rucksack. However this will be different for each individual as their associations will be different. How does each place that the rucksack is photographed in affect your perception of it?
The rucksack itself houses the portable installation Perception’s Chorus, composed of 232 screen-prints each visualising the same image but printed in different CMYK orders to create 232 similar but slightly different prints. When they are installed together this becomes apparent. When they are installed together this becomes apparent. I challenge the viewer to think outside their own perceptions, to see those of others
Concrete
The physical material of a symbol can alter its meaning and therefore the elements themselves can be transformed to change their symbolism.
Wood (earth) was collected from an old bird’s nest (wind), an old boat (water), and an old beach fire (fire). These were then transformed into paper and three actions were performed and photographed.
The paper was attached to a homing pigeon which was in turn set off (wind).
The paper was made into paper boats and set off on the North Sea where the boat was found (water).
The paper was used as the kindling to make a new beach fire (fire).
The paper was attached to a homing pigeon which was in turn set off (wind).
The paper was made into paper boats and set off on the North Sea where the boat was found (water).
The paper was used as the kindling to make a new beach fire (fire).
