New Gallery spaces, that challenge the traditional elitism of the art world, are becoming widespread. One such projects that highlights this is Anna Muirhead’s Back Boot Project, where a serious of artworks are displayed in the back of her red hatchback. Art will always interact with its surroundings, to limit this galleries try to be as neutral as possible, but when the display space is as interesting as the piece itself in the context of a gallery, exciting tensions and dynamics are created between work and display space.
I’m also greatly inspired by the work of Scottish artist Kevin Harman. Perhaps most well known for his skip art, whereby he takes all the ‘rubbish’ in a skip, removes it, cleans it and then methodically replaces it to create beautiful and interesting sculptures. His art makes people on the streets ask why?!
Perhaps even more relevant to my area of interest is his presentation of doormats ‘borrowed’ from Edinburgh stairwell doorway. His art engages with the social aspect of such acts. He left notes to the owners saying they will be returned and to talk their neighbours to learn more. In doing so he tries to create a community interest amongst typically aloof strangers.
Check out more of Kevin's work at kevinharman.co.uk.
1 comment:
btw he didn't leave notes to let people know what had happened, just made assumptions about the "community" and caused a lot of anxiety and grief to people. He has also told the media that the mats have been returned, when in fact they have not. Not a very original piece of work (first appeared on the simpsons) and poorly executed.
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