Summative Statement

In doing this assignment I have challenged myself to get out, visit of look at things that I probably wouldn't have before. I think it is good to challenge your thinking by looking at arty things and compare what you think about them to what others have said; I also think that looking at things gives you context, for instance when you view different forms of art you might find yourself quite confused if there is nothing you have seen before to compare it to, but when you have made an effort to include experiences with others art then you will start forming a base with which you can critique your own and others work more effectively.

I feel looking at others work has been quite helpful as when you start looking for what's on that you might be interested in reviewing, you realise their is a lot of art and culture out there and these events are usually free and an interesting use of time. I have however developed quite a dislike of traditional gallery spaces, there is this expected code of behaviour in these galleries that for me makes them quite awkward to be in, I think it is quite ironic that a lot of art is meant to e challenging or provocative yet it is shown in stiff galleries that are always these empty white rooms with wooden floors and seem to be virtually silent except for the clack of shoes on the floor.

Looking at a wide range of events there has been some common things pulling everything together. All works that I have viewed have simply been a medium to try and get the viewer to understand some greater ideas or concept. Art is quite a traditional way to try and make a statement, unfortunately most people will walk past a piece without engaging to a level in which they are understanding or learning something from the piece. The most available medium by far to get ideas out is film, people will sit down, watch and hopefully form some sort of emotional connection with the characters and hopefully understand some of the lessons and themes afterwards. The events that I enjoyed the most (thus probably came the closest to understanding) were the stage show 'Avenue Q' and the interactive installations at MIC. I feel that the uneducated critic will more likely understand something that is particularly enjoyable or memorable for some reason.

To me these events were not only about getting out and seeing what is around but also challenging yourself to find some meaning in what other people are doing and use these observations to inform our own work.