Approaching Content, curated by artist Jonathan Parsons, brings together artworks whose meanings derive from the specific ways in which they have been individually realised. The aim, first and foremost, is to provide the visitor with a stimulating experience: the act of engagement that constitutes all successful art. This exhibition emphasises the fact that content resides as much in this moment of experience as it does in the physical artwork. 'Art' occurs when a consciously produced artwork is actively experienced by a third party - content is approached from both sides.
Including work by Lin Cheung, Kate Owen, Jonathan Parsons, Katie Pratt, Tracey Rowledge, Jemima Stehli, Clare Twomey and Roy Voss.
The exhibition design and graphic panels take the Crafts Council Gallery as their inspiration - its architecture, its signage and many of its existing fabrics. The Galleries appear to be pushing the exhibits forward and responding to the works’ physical presence. The design and Gallery texts transform the space by distorting structures, concealing details and creating new areas for display; morphing what currently exists into plinths, fresh corners and a reference area.
Curator: Jonathan Parsons; Organiser: Julia Ravenscroft; Gallery Texts: Mark Currah; Exhibition Design: Stickland Coombe Architecture; Graphics and catalogue design: International Design UK; Exhibition Build: Andrew Golding Construction; Supported by: Crafts Council; Arts Council England; Royal Crown Derby; C’ART
Crafts Council Gallery, London, 6 February - 23 March
Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, 19 July - 14 September 2003
A full colour catalogue accompanies the exhibition. Read extracts here:
Approaching Content
6 February - 14 September 2003
Exhibition installation views:
views of the exhibition catalogue showing its luminous cover
- the design is intended to be a metaphor for the act of engagement