Making an exhibition: making and repurposing
Back in January, the Studio Collective were eager to get back to it after the winter break, and begin finalising which objects we might want to display.
Concepts
The group decided to display a small number of objects from the collection in the exhibition, which need to tie in strongly to the concepts and overall theme of the exhibition. We will then use the other objects we are interested in to inspire the artwork we create.
From our selection of objects so far, and the group’s discussions around them, two main concepts emerged:
· Communication and recording memories
· Repair and reuse
These concepts gave the group a clear framework for refining our long list of objects, in order to select which ones will be displayed in The Studio exhibition.
Any objects we were drawn to that did not have strong enough links to these concepts may be used to inspire our making process and events over the summer.
Throughout the discussions, the group found the combination of digital technology with homemade crafts was a strong concept. The collective has been drawn to how old craft techniques can be used in modern ways, and how messages can be communicated through printed fabrics. These ideas of past and future link strongly to the overall theme of memory and future-making.
Through narrowing our focus in this way, the collective has been able to get a clearer idea of the exhibition concepts. This will inform the artwork when we begin to move forward with how to creatively reflect these themes.
Making
Everyone was keen to get started on the making process.
The collective began by experimenting with how we might use wires and cables creatively. We tried different methods of working with them, such as weaving them together using a cardboard loom with jagged edges at each end for the wire to be hooked over.
We found that stripping the casing from the larger wires and cables revealed thin, colourful wires that were far more flexible to work with. The group then tried plaiting, knotting, and twisting these wires to create colourful patterns and designs. The copper threads, in particular, created a beautiful effect.
The collective spent our February meetings solidifying our concepts into more tangible ideas for how we might transform The Studio. The objects needed to tell a story, along with the artwork, and make sense as a whole to visitors.
The group thought carefully about which objects could convey that story, and how the objects will relate to each other when they are put together. Everyone loved the making process, and during this time we began to find techniques and materials that excited and inspired us for use in the exhibition.
The collective started to think about ideas for summer events, in the lead up to the opening of the exhibition in the autumn. This was an exciting opportunity to open up the themes of the project to the public and engage them in the creative process.
We were joined by Emily, Mo, and Marcello from Arts Network and St. Christopher’s Hospice, who give us inspiration for these events, as well as feedback as we progress.
Repurposing
The group was curious about how they might create new materials by repurposing old ones. For an initial experiment, the Collective took a colourful selection of plastic carrier bags and cut them up into shapes and patterns. The plastic was then pressed between two layers of baking parchment and ironed to melt them together. The results were very effective and produced a completely new product to the original bag.
The Collective tried weaving using thin, flexible branches and cotton thread to make structures and designs. Everyone wanted to see how weaving might work on a larger scale, so we took four large, thick tree branches and tied them together to make a square frame. We were then able to tie electric cables between them and weave the new plastic material through the frame, like a loom.
Making a proposal
In our following meeting, we presented an initial exhibition proposal to staff at the Horniman.
This really helped the Collective clarify key concepts, and allowed the group to sharpen the focus on how The Studio space should look and feel for visitors.
It was very important that this work would transform The Studio into an immersive, sensory, and tactile experience that feels fully accessible to everyone who visits.
Materials and techniques
Our March meetings allowed the Collective to experiment with a wider range of materials and techniques, which will help inform the final artwork for the exhibition.
The Collective used old wooden picture frames to create a frame for weaving and experimented with threading different materials through the frame like a loom. Some tried free weaving techniques to see what patterns would emerge when moving away from a linear design.
A lot of the group’s discussions have focused on sustainability, inspired by the theme of future-making, and how this will be conveyed through the exhibition.
We were all interested in the many creative ways that materials can be recycled and repurposed to create new items, and have been experimenting with old materials that might otherwise be thrown away.
Members of the Collective tried weaving with the tape from VHS and cassette tapes, strips from green plastic bottles, wool, wires, and cables. These looked very effective and produced a wide range of different artwork.
Reduce and recycle
The Collective was interested in looking into the waste produced by the Horniman as this would be an ideal source for interesting materials, and a great way of encouraging discussions about sustainability within the Museum and Gardens, as well as the wider world.
The idea of recycling and reusing objects varies massively across different cultures and generations, and the group discussed the different perspectives and practices people have throughout the world in relation to sustainability.
Part of our aim with this exhibition is to make people question Western throw away culture, open up a conversation about these ideas and leave people feeling inspired and motivated about creating positive change.
How did we want to display the artwork and any chosen objects in The Studio? And how we can transform the space into an immersive environment?
We will have to consider the practicalities of using the space, the scale of the objects and accessibility.
Everyone in the Studio Collective is feeling excited about the process so far and looking forward to diving into the making and summer events. In forthcoming meetings, the group will work out the finer details of the proposed artwork and create a palette of materials from which to work with.
Read the first part of this series about how the Collective got started with their exhibition.
