poppy

18/10/07 Southampton
John Thomson Say it with Flowers
Millais Gallery. Odd how contemporary art galleries are named after old 'masters'. Another case of far too much stuff within one place. Didn't really see the connection between the sculpture and the sketches on the walls. All a bit much, didn't seem very thought through or planned out. Things to think about within my own work. Bloke behind the desk was the opposite of most galleries as he didn't seem to know or care what was going on. Liked some of the sculptures from an aesthetic point of view, somewhat reminiscent of childhood.

Gary Stevens Wake Up and Hide
Southampton City Art Gallery. Heard about this before going, that the work reacts to sound and audience participation, also when we got there, there was a group of school children already in the room and we could hear them screaming and clapping etc. When we got in there it was a rather scary prospect to make loud noise, not helped by the miserable looking old invigilator staring at us. When got past that it was hugely enjoyable and very relevant to my work. Its a shame you can see all the change points, and how it was 'done' but still fantastic.

Bargate Gallery. Nothing particularly struck me, what was strange though was a small collection of bags and purses hung in front of ornate mirrors. On the laminated explanation handout, it said they were designs by ..... and all hand made. Strange to see (fashion) design displayed with contemporary art. If you didn't read the explanation, would you think it was just an installation . Is this the correct place for it? Should it say 'A collection of work by local artists....and designers?'

posted by poppy @ 3:00 pm