done and dusted...let's move on...

In Semester 2 we had a task for our Photography in Context module which involved research about given topics, using a given resource, e.g e-resource, book, journal or web. The four resources and weekly topics always alternated and each of us had a different area to search for. Blogs submitted weekly on our joined site and presented during seminars in class. With only one exception, we always had areas to research and the task was to find artists who we think produced their work in that particular area.

Some of them were easier and others are more difficult, or just more time consuming(?), or I just wasn't in the mood(?), after all I think each topic and task had its own challenge...and all had something!

By now we should have 8 completed blogs, each relates to different context and, as much as we could, we should have used critical reflection. The term I never even heard before...but after a few blogs and explanation, I'm slowly getting grasp of it. Personally I also loved the challenge or writing. Thinking back of the not long ago times, when I wouldn't have been able to write even a letter in English, always gives me a strange feeling and just makes me smile. Oh, I'm still unsure of many things, commas and the rest but I can live with it for now. I'm really enjoying this, right now, and that I'm constantly pushed to write, think, read, and while I'm doing these I always imagine I can write, think and read. Funny!

Now, the next writing challenge ahead of me, right in my face actually, is an essay.  Again...between us...I can't actually write essays, but trust me I will do it somehow...even if it takes me a week or more!


One thing....quietly - referencing sucks!

Links to my 8 blogs:

wk 1: The Body as Object of Medical Research (e-resources)      

wk 2: The Mugshot (books)  

wk 3: Installation Art - Dan Flavin (journals)

wk 4: Photography and Identity (web)

wk 5: Still Life and Documentary (e-resources)

wk 6: Truth and Credibility (web)

wk 7: Landscape - The Sublime (journals)

wk 8: Families Photographed (books)

Dan Flavin (1933-1996) - course work

Research using journals

This week’s research of using journals for finding articles about Dan Flavin and Tony Oursler proved quite difficult.

First I looked at photos of their work on the Internet, and then I went through countless number copies of art journals and magazines for finding some information. After hours of fruitless research in the library, I had to realise that this was clearly not the most effective way to complete this particular exercise. Strategy had to change and I decided to use e-resources for finding references, which then could be used for locating the referred hardcopy periodicals kept in the library for full articles.

After a short while into my research, I started looking for Dan Flavin related writings only, because I became interested in his work when I saw his installations.

Dan Flavin used commercially available fluorescent lights, fixed straight or in different angles on the walls.  Most of the lights are mounted flat however some turned outwards from the wall facing into the gallery space. The vibrancy of these tubes, the projection of colours onto the wall and floor and the ambience of the room remind me of churches with stained windows. I felt that the light is the statement in Dan Flavin’s creations and its effect on the surrounding is as secondary element. The viewers’ presence and their silhouette are crucial part of each piece, and visiting his exhibitions in person must be not only a visual but overwhelming experience. The symmetry in which these strip lights are placed and the spread of colours that surrounds and envelopes the viewer gives a secure feeling. The electric glow, filling the space with energy is inviting and captivating.

Eventually I found an article in the Artforum International, written by Jeffrey Kastner on the occasion of Flavin’s site specific installation in the David Zwirner Gallery. As I was wondering about his affection to standard, readymade fluorescent lights and what might have been his intention with their exclusive use, this article, partly with his own words, provided me with an aspect of his work.

“Flavin’s work is actually as much about the lights as it is about the light; about what he himself called “a clearly, openly, plainly delivered….’get-in-get-out’ situation,” conspicuously lacking “overwhelming spirituality” and purposefully refusing to extend any “invitation to meditate, to contemplate.””

However, the way I feel, and as the article finishing lines describe “a clear invitation to pause and contemplate, and produced the sort of overwhelming sensory experience that will no doubt be later remembered, rightly or wrongly, as awe.”

Looking at his work I understand that we take light for granted but when only the light and its source are visible in an empty space, we come to notice its significance in our life.

Kastner, J "Dan Flavin: DAVID ZWIRNER." Artforum International 48.6 (Feb 2010) p.196