NEWS
| UPDATE: 18.05.2012 NEW PROJECT! |
DESIGN YOUR ARCHITECTURE!
As part of my PhD research, I am now offering a new service: custom-made architectural design. After a few hours in conversation during which the design will be produced, you will receive a painting that reflects your personal views on architecture.
The project is part of my practice-based PhD research and explores how thinking about architecture can be visualised through painting. You are invited for a conversation in my studio for 1-4 hours depending on what size of painting you would like, snacks and drinks provided. Our dialogue will be recorded and during the process I will take photos of the design in progress. This material and your feedback will then be used for my research, providing me with an opportunity to test some ideas in practice.
What do you get out of it? Firstly, an interesting work which you have seen the making of, and which reflects your personal views on architecture as well as your ideal spatial design. Secondly, a quality conversation that will hopefully be inspirational and constructive for your own work/ideas. Thirdly, you will contribute to research and will be appropriately credited for your input. Unlike most research projects, there are no requirements, rules nor expectations - you bring in an take out what you want.
If you would like to keep the work (quite likely as it's very personal), I would be grateful if you could cover the surface material expenses (e.g. canvas, canvas board, cardboard, paper). Special offer for the first 2 people: free artwork on canvas board!
If you are interested in participating or have questions, please email me!
| UPDATE: 07.04.2012 |
Just back from presenting at the two-day conference at the University of Lincoln; Theoretical Currents II: Architecture and its Geographical Horizons. With the theme of Ptolemy’s Cosmographia - how the geographic impulse maps not only the known world, but also the inhabited world - the conference brought together a wide variety of speakers and research topics. The keynote speakers Prof Andrzej Piotrowski and Prof Carolyn Steel reflected the two main approaches taken in the conference; on the one hand the continuous problem with architecture as an autonomous project that translates social complexity into visual complexity in a failed attempt at a holistic perspective, and on the other hand the lack of awareness in current design and planning of the fundamental human needs that essentially shape the landscapes we inhabit. The various presentations reveal a struggle how to introduce a human element into thinking about the geographic impuls in architecture, often through a reconsideration of the relationship between city and countryaide, but also by asking how design and visual representation should map human movement, protest, needs etc - in short, how we respond to contextual complexity in a way that is both ethical and aesthetic.
| UPDATE: 01.03.2012 |
I attended the 'Contested Sites/Sights' research conference at Chelsea College of Art, which responds to the idea that: “[If we think of place] as formed out of social interrelations at all scales, then one view of a place is as a particular articulation of those relations, a particular moment in those networks of social relations and understandings.” (Doreen Massey, ‘Space, Place, Gender’, 1994) What struck me most, when comparing research in the fine arts and in architecture,, is how art research allows the researcher to be at the source of the enquiry. This subjectivity reflects the extremely qualitative methods used, whereas architectural research hides this in complex diagrams and 'facts'. Especially in light of the question to what extent research ought to be holistic, havign embodied a postmodern sensibility/responsibility, the question what position we take up in our own research is crucial to what we want to claim when locating ourselves within "a social, economic and political realm".
| UPDATE: 25.02.2012 |
Another interesting Friday Session at Public Works yesterday, to "feed the culture" and to "feed the stomach" with soup afterwards:
"An introduction to alternative economic models and collaborative practices in times of decreasing mainstream funding. The discussion will focus on thoughts and tools towards more democratic and sustainable economies for experimental cultural practice."
Compared to the model of talks and discussions at other fora (let's not mention names), these sessions really stand out. They are, as I see it, practical exchanges of knowledge and networks, inclusive and informal enough to embrace the cumulative intelligence of the whole audience, rather than revering the speakers as exclusive experts. This is not to say that the speakers weren't contributing invaluable insight into contemporary developments in society and the creative sector. The three speakers provided theoretical, practical and ethical arguments for developing a better context in which creative practice can flourish, through alternative (economic) models such as crowdfunding, commoning, Sunday Soup and Artist Run Credit League. These are all about creating networks that are based on other values than the ones advocated by capitalism. One could add to this list: freecycle, furniture re-use network, swap a skill, read it swap it, ecomodo good returns. Maybe we don't need all that money after all!?
Some interesting points that came up:
- Alternative (economic) models have always existed, but are now being systematised. The internet can, as such, reach wider networks.
- Especially interesting is the system of pledges in crowdfunding, where the supporters receive something in return for their financial support.
- The danger of such network groups becoming freemasonry, if powerful people get together. This relates to the ethical ground on which such networks are based.
| UPDATE: 23.02.2012 |
A fresh new look for my website! I can never resist doing a bit of website design aside of my academic and artistic work, as a kind of 'organised creativity'. Yesterday, I attended the panel discussion on The Creative Process at the British Academy. While it was rather depressing to hear the reality (as opposed to generally kept myths) of creative work by Professor Rosalind Gill, the presentation by Professor Pat Healey reminded me again of the importance of externalising ideas. Based on other research, he argues that a mental picture is not enough to be creative, rather one has to externalise it by, for example, making sketches in order to start a creative process. Thus, the active engagement allows for the emergence of creative ideas and new interpretations. While this might sound pretty basic, it is a valid argument for practice-based doctoral studies - and, as I argue in my PhD, for architects to work more free-hand/style instead of using software.
While the discussion was very well chaired by Professor John Sloboda, he raised crucial questions which unfortunately remained unaddressed. After all, creativity is not just part of the working process of the creative sector, but can be invaluable to everyday life.
| UPDATE: 20.02.2012 |
Excellent news! I have been invited to present at the conference The Media of the Metapolis at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, 24-26 May 2012 (www.mediacityproject.org).
| UPDATE: 11.01.2012 |
My paper has been accepted for the conference Theoretical Currents II: Architecture and its Geographical Horizons at the University of Lincoln, on the 4-5th of April 2012. (www.theoreticalcurrents.com)
| UPDATE: 01.11.2011 |
I am presenting a paper entitled 'Who Manages Who? Art and Law in Conversation' with Hin-Yan Liu at the conference:
Law, the Universe and Everything
Wednesday 16 November 2011,
10:30 – 19:00
University of Westminster
Room C2.15, 115 New Cavendish Street
London, W1W 6UW
Attendance is free, but places are limited, RSVP required
With an inaugural lecture 'The Interdisciplinarity of Law and the Post-Humanist Turn' by Professor Andreas Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos at 18:00.
| UPDATE: 25.10.2011 |
Ridley Road Open Studios 2011
this weekend, 28 and 29 October
Friday 6-9pm, Saturday 12-6pm
Address: 51 - 63 Ridley Road, London E8 2NP
my space is 2nd floor, studio 8
| UPDATE: 06.10.2011 |
Submitted an artwork for the Secret Art Show, to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
| UPDATE: 07.07.2011 |
The Private View of the RSA exhibition was really wonderful last night, and a great opportunity to meet the other artists involved, such as Martin Stynes and Frank Creber, each interested in the urban environment from a different perspective. The space at the Portico Library is unique, and itself representing a romantic site within the harsh architectural contrasts of Manchester.
Photos of the exhibition are now online!
| UPDATE: 01.07.2011 |
The exhibition 'Romanticism in the Urban Environment', opening in Manchester next week (see information below), is now accompanied by my article on the RSA website, entitled 'Engaging Artists in the Debate on 21st Century Cities'.
| UPDATE: 16.06.2011 |
Upcoming Group Exhibition 7 July - 26 August 2011:
My work has been selected for the prestigious RSA Fellows exhibition 'Romanticism in the Urban Environment', in The Portico in Manchester, during July and August.
Private View: Wednesday 6th of July, 6-8pm
Address: The Portico Library & Gallery
57 Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3HY
| UPDATE: 12.06.2011 |
I will be presenting at 'The Journey as a Site for Creative Practice: A Symposium', taking place in the second carriage of the 11:12 high speed train from London St Pancras to Folkestone on Saturday 25th of June 2011, organised by 16 Space. Upon arrival in Folkestone, after a 55 min. journey, there is the grand launch of Folkestone Triennial, with a conference taking place at 2pm - 6.30pm (key speaker Saskia Sassen), as well as many other events. Check out www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk for more information and the full programme.
| UPDATE: 23.05.2011 |
Great news, I got awarded a grant from The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust for the next academic year!!
I am currently working on a new piece, which will depart from pure painting and incorporate appropriated images in 'conversation' with the painting. Very exciting!
| UPDATE: 10.04.2011 |
Monday 11 April, I will be giving a talk on professional practice, as part of a-n Air Activists Salon (Artists' Interaction & Representation)
Location: New Gallery London 94-96 Peckham Rd,
London SE15 5PY
Date: 11.04.11
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
More info: website a-n AIR
| UPDATE: 24.02.2011 |
I will be doing a workshop with the BA Architecture students at Westminster University, consisting of a lecture, discussion and tutorials. The workshop will be on the topic of effective presentation methods for architects, and the rhetorical value of architectural representation. It will also touch on issues of motives and choices in creating images, thus very relevant to my reseach.
I'll also be doing tutorials with the 1st year students at the School of Media, Arts and Design, to which I'm really looking forward to!
| UPDATE: 30.01.2011 |
Back in the studio... finally finish the official PhD proposal for registration! Time to get going with the research. My current project is a response to the Meanwhile London competition, whichs aims to regenerate Canning Town and the Royal Docks area. It's interesting how the local councils are looking for "temporary use" projects for three sites, in order to generate long-term interest and investment. Their aspiration is "local projects that reach a global audience", which sounds like a rather challenging project!
| UPDATE: 01.12.2010 |
On the 16th of December, I will present my research as part of the CREAM Winter Symposium, which will take place at Ambika P3, University of Westminster (Location: Ambika P3, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS . Baker Street Station).
The theme of the symposium is built around the exhibition of Terry Flaxton: High Resolution Moving Image Works. The presentation will respond to the question: "In what way do high definition digital technologies affect the production and reception of art in the fields of Photography, Print Arts, New Media and Moving Images?"
| UPDATE: 13.10.2010 |
I will be giving a short talk about my PhD research at the 3rd Annual Festival On Cities 2010, organised by This Is Not A Gateway, as part of the "Soapbox, Oh that's interesting!" series.
The talk will take place on Sunday 24th of October, sometime between 2-3pm (Location: Match Stick Hall, Hanbury Hall, 22 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR, MAP). The Soapbox introduces new research, ideas and projects, and it would be great to see you there!
The festival takes place on 22-24 October and has 163 contributors which makes it a large platform for discussions on all aspects of the city. Check out the full programme (discussions, walks, films, exhibitions and workshops) on the TINAG website.
| UPDATE: 01.02.2010 |
Exhibiting in Group Exhibition 'Ponglish for Beginners' (curated by Stephen Campbell) at From Space, Salford, 18 Feb - 31 March 2010:
'Ponglish for Beginners' Part 2 focuses on the theme of the Metropolis.
London has attracted many Polish people to its bright lights and opportunities. In this exhibition five young artists who have moved to Britain from Poland, explore different aspects of the City.
From Space is a unique arts space in the centre of Manchester, associated with Islington Mill and just outside of Spinningfields, it is a world to its own. The public are invited to draw every day at 2, and are encouraged to use the space to get on with some work, read, or join in with all sorts of projects happening by the fire.
'Ponglish For Beginners' is a series of exhibitions which explore the relationship between Britain and Poland, beginning with Polish artists who practise in Britain.
| UPDATE: 01.02.2010 |
Artist Talk at St Cross College, University of Oxford
Date: Thursday 4 February 2010
Time: 8pm
Free entry
| UPDATE: 05.11.2009 |
Exhibiting in Group Exhibition 12-15 November:
| UPDATE: 27.09.2009 |
Large Solo Exhibition 8-11 October:
