WOW of the Week! 11th Sept 2023 What's the meaning of this?

Hello all, this week we have spent a lot of time exploring the meanings in work. How work is created and all the different approaches you could take, from video to installation. In Expressive Arts we visited Liverpool to see the Biennial. Hi lights included the Tom Wood exhibition at the Walker, a lesson in determination and commitment to making everyday things beautiful and the selection of work at Tobacco dock explore the slave trade and Liverpool's links to Britain's colonial past. Rick Rubin stated that the reason we are alive is to express ourselves in the world And creating art might be the most effective and beautiful way of doing that. Art goes beyond language, it's a universal way to send messages between each other. So true. We want you to do able to do this in the best way possible, so understanding the people who did it best, before you, is a great way to learn the ways others did it and then find new ways to create your own work. We hope you will be inspired to try new things and show us your worlds and all their weird and wonderful details.

Video: Little Simz- Gorilla

Little Simz' video is filled with references to other music videos from bands who have inspired her and artists such as Keith Haring. ( i was first aware of Little Simz in 2014 because she was friends with a student I taught) It's amazing to see how far she has come since then. I first saw these artist reference on a TikTok during the summer and thought I would share it as part of the cultural context aspect of the course. Everyone is doing it, so you should be too. Watch the video and see if you can get anymore references and let me know. The main image looks like a Hockney joiner to me so maybe there are many more.

Click on the image to see the links or follow the link to the TIKTOK showing the references.

Last week I shared Verified, here is Little Simz going through the meanings in the work.

OPPORTUNITY: MANCHESTER OPEN 2024

DETAILS ARE HERE: Applications for artists to be part of the 2024 Manchester Open Exhibition close on Sun 1 Oct.

This is the third time this Open to all exhibition has taken place, and as Greater Manchester residents you can upload your own work to see if you can be involved. The standard of the exhibition is high but their art different catagories to enter, so your Teenager status will be considered.

I had a piece in the the show in 2022 and will be entering again this year. The show is a fantastic celebration of all things Greater Manchester and the North West. I was very proud to have my work next to some incredible art.

Here is me with my A1 Chalk drawing of a Quarry.

I would highly reccommend you all enter something, as good practise. Open exhibitions and group shows are often the starting point of many artists to get spotted to begin to develop their own exhibitions.

Manchester Open 2022

Process: Frank Gehry's models for Dundee Maggie's Centre

Frank Gehry's models for Dundee Maggie's Centre, a Cancer hospital in Scotland. Fantastic to see the different approaches to the design process from simple paper pieces to skilled architectural models. You can see how the models were made with everyday materials initially and then more professional equipment when the design was finalised. Professional practise is the same as we ask you to do in class. Start simple to prove concept and then refine and develop until you show skill and control in your chosen materials. The design is inspired by traditional dwellings from the area and is a comforting place where people get cancer treatment and recover from the effects of the illness and treatment.

If you like this building check out Frank Gehry's other work here. he is a visionary architect and one all you budding architects should know.

BBC ARTS CHANNEL

Non-stop documentaries showcasing culture and creativity with 20th Century Artists month. From legendary artists to incredible music and immersive writing, it's all here.

You could use this as a luck dip for art shows. Turn on and watch what is on, could be great to get a bit of randomisation into your research.

Follow the link to see what you see!

BILLY GAME: NO WORRIES IF NOT

The game women never wanted to play, is the slogan to this new product, unfortunately the game is life itself and just existing in the world.

A great example of Graphics and Politics here with this little edition board game designed by Body care brand Billie exploring the contradictory expectations and demands placed on women in our patriarchal society.

Dezeen says: Although presented as fun and optimistic, Billie devised the game to be rigged against the player, who is faced with impossible double standards and pointless solutions such as over-apologising, people-pleasing and overthinking.

"We considered a number of ways we might shed light on this but kept coming back to the idea that existing as a woman in today's world can ultimately feel a bit like you're playing a rigged game that you can't win. So we decided to turn it into one."

This is a great use of graphics to create a work that is recognisable to all but has a host of hidden messages and makes an incredible point. Does your work hide any meanings. is it an insightful look into a topic, if not could it be?

Appreciate