Dan Hayes Artist’s Statement
My practice focuses on “the uncanny”, or the “un-homely”. For example, last year I focused on the element of smoke, and how it can change a photograph or scene. I constructed a miniature set (a house made from papier-mâché) with the intention of distorting the line between real and synthetic. The artist Thomas Demand was a major influence although I did also take inspiration from films such as ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ (1920) and ‘Eraserhead’ (1977). The handmade sculpture and the translation between subject and interpretation was the key concept. Currently, I am looking at the idea of associating danger with technology with reference to Michael Day’s theoretical reading which discussed the impact of the Internet on society (high street transformation etc.). Planned projects extend the idea that there is no guarantee that technology makes for a better future. |
Rebecca Williams Artist’s Statement
Recent work was originally based on the secret world of bondage and creating a sense of tension/voyeurism through the use of photography and associated material. This sample was part of an exhibition entitled ‘behind closed doors’. I had planned to dress as a ‘Dominatrix -Esq’ character for a 'studio photo shoot' but the work here took place in a domestic setting. The selected images were arranged as a wall based piece with insulation tape bonding them to the surface. The tape served to indicate the act of bondage itself and emphasised the control and tension. I later started to make structures with the tape that could create voyeurism without imagery. This work has a space in front for people to look through, and a space underneath that creates a degree of discomfort for individuals reacting to the work. Developments from this work make use of these spaces to create situations which have a life of their own with action sequences involving ripping tape away from photos, texts and related sketches. |
Vicky Jones Artist’s Statement
In my studio practice I do a mixture of different things however the most consistent medium throughout is drawing. In my opinion I think that it’s the most important thing in my work. The main point is to bring focus to the features of ‘spaces’ that are not easily noticed. Some recent work involved making a response to a building by using just wool. Here the ‘wool’ sculptures were compositionally arranged to compliment the structure of the actual building. The process that I adopted moved from ‘sculpture’ to ‘installation’ and consisted of initial photographs and sketches that mapped the potential. More recently I have been producing my sketches as drawings, digitally produced on the photographic images. The medium has also changed with the emphasis now on the use of thread. |