simple but is it

since we are learning how to speak about art and its criteria it struck me that we are using very little of it. the way we speak about its potential is very poor- we limit oureslves to words like bad, nice, complicated, simple. yep, but could it be that simple is comlicated? what is simple then? is it its simplicity of how its made: use of easy accessed materials, known techniques, way its put together (clear manner) or maybe designed for easy use of any abilities level of the receivers? Is it about the way work of art is presented visually- that makes us feel its oh so easy? what about the process we dont know much about- how the particular artist gathered his reaserch and how he design his works layout? this may only be a game of a very layered and complex contents whe should explore.could it be that artist demands some feedback, some kind of reaction or effort even? could I do that way myself? well, technically no. you didnt come up with the idea! we receive ready impact. could we take an example of it? yes. is it appropriate to judge works artisitc value by what we feel is right in a matter of personal opinion? is it ok to make personal comments? sure. those comments should not make you feel better about your own work. Opinion should not be based on wheather we feel confident... isnt it true that a simple-looking masterpiece is artists great skill?
in the other hand simple could also be unambitious. can we call unabitious practice art? if so, what makes it art? ambition to remain unambitious? there is no secret service dropping paintings in galleries to fool public. they are there for a reason. and its that reason that we should debate on more then if its a pretty picture that our 5 year old siblings could paint. because they cannot.
natalia

Flash Mobbing - Finger Fight at the Tate Modern

Some feedback on the 20th October

The Baltic - Group 1

Critic of financial management, good research, comments on debates such as the inclusion the Beyril Cook show and the rationale for this. The group spoke about architecture, the placement of works - good speaking and projection - we get a got idea of the space and refurbishment with  comments on this.  The group also gave a presentation on artists - good back ground work.  Could work on presentation style, good individually – but more as a group . They covered aspects of public participation - such as tours and talk – the educational context, opportunities for internships

MoMa – Group 2 

Good presentation – note solo speaker – which is a lot more pressure on one person – and was very well handled. Very good research and some good context. The was a lot more detail in the power-point than the speaker got to cover in the time. Images and back ground to the collection is good – but also a more critical comment on why certain choices are made, would add to and support the research that you did. Very good Rockefeller research.

Guggenheim - Group 3

Very good research and lots of personal review and input. Research covered public access and some information about financial aspects of the organisation, The was some anecdotal comments on the finance and on the patron scheme and private tours and parties. Also how the curators might be employing strategies for the exhibition and the current financial climate eg The Liam Gilick – hotel. Others spoke well and communicated a good level of personal engagement and criticism about exhibitions and artists.

Tate Liverpool - Group 4

Great back ground to the economy and context of the gallery. Also the history of the building and the James Sterling connection. Context was given also about the other Tates. How the space was broken up and used. Also good info on visitor relations and the roles and responsibilities of various departments to include youth and variety of methodologies for public accesses Some info on partnerships and sponsorships – and wider educational relationships and courses connected. Presentation on artists who are on exhibition and their style and popularity. Try include your opinons as to why decisions made and how these might related to the artist.

Tate Modern - Group 5

Again give good context – talk about the architecture – Hertzog, That the Tate is National – Museum of modern art and some information on aims, context – Who they are, what they are and how they work. A bit about the culture of the Directorship and his context. Information about public contexts and access such as talks and discussions. And other initiatives such as the Raw Canvas. Good highlighting of the excellent website and the technology used to tour people through the building and collection in web-space

second thing.getting out there

Just very recently we decided to attend two art events. The first one was an exibition opening at kennedys gallery (harcourt street) this tuesday. It was a presentation of new works by Niall Bracken, Dublin born artist called "Scapes". Aaron, Dona and myself found each other truly fascinated by this vivid, energetic and simply beautiful paintings. I have never experienced such joy of gathered friends discussing the process of getting to know how . We ended up very influenced and inspirated by his techniqe and aesthetics.
The second was a lauch of a new booklet "marks" that was a collaboration between artist and writer hugely supported by Arts Council and Circa art magazine. It took place in Temple bar gallery and studios. Not only we had a chance to drink free bottles of miller (ha ha ha) over writers readings but we were part of something new. One of the artist presented there was our very own drawing teacher Bea McMahon with her fantastic origami-like illustrations of Alan Jude Moores poems.
And who knows, maybe we all will be a fundamental part of such event in the nearest future? fingers crossed.
get out there! !
natalia

first things first

step one. subscribe.

http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/newsletter.aspx
http://www.visualartists.ie/sfr_ebulletin.html
http://www.project.ie/maillist/
http://www.recirca.com/

step two. usefull links.

http://www.irishartsreview.com/html/diary/diary_frame.htm
http://www.browseireland.com/
http://nival.ncad.ie/index.htm
http://blackletter.ie/site/modules/content/?id=5