Protest in Abstract: Proposal
Introduction
It is increasingly common for protests to occur against historical and iconic backdrops, inserting a voice of resistance that, too, takes on the qualities of iconography and history. With its carnival atmosphere that captivates audiences, the mass demonstration could be characterised as an aesthetic visual event.
Synopsis
I will create an installation presenting an iconography of street protest paraphernalia within which the objects are appropriated to the point of abstraction; they will be devoid of any messages or specific images. The materials shall include badges, banners, flyers, leaflets, placards and posters. The vivid juxtaposition of complimentary and conflicting colours will form a central motif. The contention is that no two experiences of colour are the same; colour is not something we can all agree upon. In this respect, it has much in common with the social environment itself, providing an adequate metaphor for the subjective uncertainty and perceptual inconsistency with which people interpret and come to understand their surroundings.
Presentation
Information on the show will present the project as a frozen moment in time, suggesting the manner in which protest movements quickly become tagged to the culture of their time whilst referencing the nostalgia inextricably linked to protest as a historical marker. The structures of the work are motivated by ergonomics and portability. All the work is interchangeable between a gallery and non-gallery environment. These mobile protest-structures can then be removed from the gallery and taken onto the streets toward the end of the show.
Manifesto
The protest is based on a ‘manifesto’ containing several hundred colour combinations sourced from the paint swatches available at DIY stores. These are then collaged and presented as a series of mini colour-field abstract artworks; aesthetic statements, serving as a blueprint from which the protest devices are developed. Selections of these colours are then bought or mixed.
Aesthetic
The design of the work will juxtapose bold colours with familiar protest imagery; compositions of colour and shape from Constructivism remodelled through a Pop Art style. Through such methods reference can be made to how some of the social ambitions of Contsructivist designs were co-opted by advertising companies. All the materials used will be selected from standard hardware stores to lend emphasis to the DIY nature of the project.
Statement
I am driven by a romantic impetus to discover alternative ways of presenting painterly art, and employ craftsmanship, the Minimalist aesthetic popular to DIY culture and the handmade as points for creative departure. I produce hybrids from painting and sculpture, installation and collaboration. Central to my practice is the notion that tensions exist between socially-engaged practice and artistic autonomy.
With thanks,
John O’Hare, April 2012
Protest in Abstract: Proposal
Introduction
It is increasingly common for protests to occur against historical and iconic backdrops, inserting a voice of resistance that, too, takes on the qualities of iconography and history. With its carnival atmosphere that captivates audiences, the mass demonstration could be characterised as an aesthetic visual event.
Synopsis
I will create an installation presenting an iconography of street protest paraphernalia within which the objects are appropriated to the point of abstraction; they will be devoid of any messages or specific images. The materials shall include badges, banners, flyers, leaflets, placards and posters. The vivid juxtaposition of complimentary and conflicting colours will form a central motif. The contention is that no two experiences of colour are the same; colour is not something we can all agree upon. In this respect, it has much in common with the social environment itself, providing an adequate metaphor for the subjective uncertainty and perceptual inconsistency with which people interpret and come to understand their surroundings.
Presentation
Information on the show will present the project as a frozen moment in time, suggesting the manner in which protest movements quickly become tagged to the culture of their time whilst referencing the nostalgia inextricably linked to protest as a historical marker. The structures of the work are motivated by ergonomics and portability. All the work is interchangeable between a gallery and non-gallery environment. These mobile protest-structures can then be removed from the gallery and taken onto the streets toward the end of the show.
Manifesto
The protest is based on a ‘manifesto’ containing several hundred colour combinations sourced from the paint swatches available at DIY stores. These are then collaged and presented as a series of mini colour-field abstract artworks; aesthetic statements, serving as a blueprint from which the protest devices are developed. Selections of these colours are then bought or mixed.
Aesthetic
The design of the work will juxtapose bold colours with familiar protest imagery; compositions of colour and shape from Constructivism remodelled through a Pop Art style. Through such methods reference can be made to how some of the social ambitions of Contsructivist designs were co-opted by advertising companies. All the materials used will be selected from standard hardware stores to lend emphasis to the DIY nature of the project.
Statement
I am driven by a romantic impetus to discover alternative ways of presenting painterly art, and employ craftsmanship, the Minimalist aesthetic popular to DIY culture and the handmade as points for creative departure. I produce hybrids from painting and sculpture, installation and collaboration. Central to my practice is the notion that tensions exist between socially-engaged practice and artistic autonomy.
With thanks,
John O’Hare, April 2012