Display

1. Display GASP, Artspace Southsea June 2009

2. Display Salon: Crit Group 10 June 2009 Attendees • Jon Snape • Etienne de Villiers • Kye Wilson • Matthew Parsons (AS) • Chris Ballingall • Hector Lopez Kern • Jonathan Parsons • Lisa Traxler (AS) • Kate Ward • Debbie

3. Display Salon: Crit Group 10 June 2009 Process: • On arrival, at approx 6.30pm, a photograph taken of each attendee and drinks offered • At 7.00pm AMC did a welcome intro outlining the purpose of the Salon and the nature of the Display • Each attendee was asked to line up in one corner and were asked in turn to give their reaction to the Display • Progressively a circle was formed and a fully interactive discussion ensued

4. Display Salon: Crit Group 10 June 2009 The primary focus was on the Display itself as a thing. Main points discussed: • The display as a whole was de-constructed and examined in fine detail such use of language recognition and application of organic schema • Interaction between the display components was questioned • Review carried out of the display objectives and whether the ensuing results met the objectives • Signifiers were identified and challenged • Stylistic assessment • Effectiveness of the engagement properties of the Display were reviewed • Architectural adjustments were analysed • Areas of further development were recommended

5. Display Salon: 17 June 2009 Attendees • Ian Sherman • Michael Bartlett (AS) • Chris Ballingall • Katayoun Dowlatshahi (AS) • Ian Jenkins • Kye Wilson • Denise Callender • Kier Eyles (AS) • Steve Williams • Gill Hawkins (AS) • Ian Filder • Jacqui Mair (AS) • Margaret Cooper • Michelle Casciaro • Jonathan Parsons

6. Display Salon: 17 June 2009 Process: • On arrival, at approx 6.30pm, a short film was taken of each attendee and they asked their name and whether they would be prepared to lead any part of the session, if asked. Drinks were then offered • At 7.00pm AMC did a welcome intro outlining the purpose of the Salon and the nature of the Display. • In addition AMC made a series of statements concerning the sense of detachment between AMC and the displayed work • Progressively a circle was formed and a fully interactive discussion ensued

7. Display Salon: 17 June 2009 The primary focus was on the role of the artist and the relationship between the artist and the artwork and the Viewer and the artwork. Main points discussed: • Physical ownership of work by the artist • Intellectual ownership of work by the artist • Complexity versus paring down to make the work more accessible and less overwhelming • The purpose or value of artwork

8. Display Salon: 18 June 2009 Attendees • Matthew Parsons (AS) • Rob Storey • Ian White • Kate Saunders • Ros Burgin • Pete Levy • Jules Simmons • Tim Simmons • Michael Elsom • Angela Elsom (AS) • Natalie Dowse (AS) • JeannieDriver (AS) • Mike Blackman (AS) • Michelle Casciaro • ARC invitee by JP • Jonathan Parsons

9. Display Salon: 18 June 2009 Process: • On arrival, at approx 6.30pm, a short film was taken of each attendee and they asked their name and which of 2 named artists they preferred and , if asked, would they be prepared to give their reasons. Drinks were then offered • At 7.00pm AMC did a welcome intro outlining the purpose of the Salon and the nature of the Display. • In addition AMC made a series of statements concerning the commercial value of art and the place conservation has in art • Progressively a circle was formed and a fully interactive discussion ensued

10. Display Salon: 18 June 2009 The primary focus was on the intent behind the work and the inherent practice structure. Main points discussed: • Challenged the statement that drawing was a more effective medium than painting in particular with regard to directness and intentionality • The inconsistency of basing the work on drawing and yet using colour for aesthetic reasons • The range of financing and funding strategies which can either enable or undermine practice • The role of conservation in art • The relational aspects pertaining to the installation/display

11. Display Salon: 19 June 2009 Attendees • Jacky Dillon (AS) • Adam Casciaro • Ruth Munro • Nicola Whitley • Jamie Whitley • Mandy Webb • Chris Ballingall • James Hall • Arezou • Ed O’Brien • Jenny Catlow (AS) • Geoff Catlow (AS) • Michelle Casciaro

12. Display Salon: 19 June 2009 Process: • On arrival, at approx 6.30pm, a short film was taken of each attendee and they asked their name and which of 2 named artists they preferred and , if asked, would they be prepared to give their reasons. Drinks were then offered • At 7.00pm AMC did a welcome intro outlining the purpose of the Salon and the nature of the Display. • In addition AMC made a series of statements concerning the commercial value of art and the place conservation has in art • Progressively a circle was formed and a fully interactive discussion ensued

13. Display Salon: 19 June 2009 The primary focus was on the structure of the Salon. Main points discussed: • The various display options ranging from Exhibition, Salon, Preview and Private View • The role of Crits in terms of display • Effective engagement between viewer and work • The level of control or staging needed to ensure effective Salons • The presence or otherwise of the artist at the Salon • Collaboration at different levels: strategic, tactical, control etc

14. Salonista Statistics • 10 June: 10 attended (2 Artspace members) • 17 June: 15 attended (3 had come on 10 June; 5 Artspace members) • 18 June: 16 attended (1 had come on 10 and 17 June, 1 had come on 17 June; 4 Artspace members) • 19 June: 13 attended (1 had come on 11 and 17 June, 1 had come on 17 and 18 June; 3 Artspace members) • Gross attendance: 54 (30 male, 24 female) • Net attendance: 46 • Non attendants: 51 (24 male, 27 female)

15. Salonista Statistics • Total Artspace members not attending: 5 • %age attendance: 47% • Total Artspace members attending: 14 (5 male, 9 female) • % age Artspace members of gross attendance: 28% • % age Artspace members of net attendance: 30%

16. Salonista Feedback • Very different. Different to a Crit. The Salon enabled conversations and genuine dialogue that wouldn’t happen at all or in such depth at a PV and. • Discourse and opinion was very creative but so hard at times to define. Puzzling but at the same time much clearer • Enjoyable, at times difficult but most of all thought provoking and questioning issues as much to ourselves as to the presenter, contradictions that just beg questioning- it was quite raw, about things we all grapple with. • After a slow start, the group relaxed and opened up in a way I expected. Everyone seemed really relaxed

17. Salonista Feedback • It was very entertaining and a refreshing way to talk about and present work. • It is a good idea for the future. Thought you handled the group well. • The evening was very successful and 'interesting' (sorry to use that word!). • Quite a gathering of opinionated folk, it was interesting to listen to their perspective on things.  • A really interesting and challenging evening. ArtSpace and GASP should do more - it pushes what we should be about. The Salon is a great idea to take forward and Art Space should take it on . Fab idea

18. Salonista Feedback • The three days were all really good to take part in, with each one having a different theme/topic. • There was no over indulgence of intrusive behaviour. • It was a refreshing approach to engagement, intrusive but I hope not too personal. • It was really interesting to hear how the works are arrived at and its made me look at it in a different way, it really works as an installation.

19. Salonista Feedback • There are parallels in our work, and now I know more about yours, I will look forward to more conversations. • I relate to your thoughts that all you do is your practice, and to raw emotion being channeled through creative expression, I was interested that Jonathan did not relate to this at all • The selection for the different days was intriguing as to how the selection was made, criteria, social experiment, maybe I was expected as the protagonist? These where the thoughts streaming through my head.

20. Salonista Feedback • Need to make sure that the focus is not completely centred on the presenter or artist • Salonistas need to be comfortable with the form of the gathering and allow them to do any preparations they wish to do to have a valuable insight into the discussion • However some Salonistas were nervous about having to prepare for the Salon

21. Salonista Feedback • Give some prior explanation to allow the Salonistas to not have to think on their toes, which makes them uncomfortable and more on edge • The presenter should be less of a performer and more relaxed and sincere- your descriptions and justification for your work is always much clearer when talking about it casually than when trying too hard. Let it come naturally and rehearse less.

22. Salonista Feedback • Salon without the artist present: filmed and recorded to provide feedback. The Salonistas can then be more openly critical but will also have to find their own way through the work • Seating arrangements should have been pre-arranged to ensure comfort and access • Cross-conversing between Salonistas to be encouraged rather than centreing the dialogue through the presenter: brief description of the work; use of general subject, or topic to be covered at the salon; and give people prior warning of the subject

23. Salonista Feedback • Some conversation subjects were confusing. Move focus away from the work and onto the subjects the work relates to • The subject will set the initial direction of the Salon. • The 'sweeping statements' are very entertaining. I'm sure you like to play devil's advocate from time-to-time and I can see your skills as a lawyer used to great effect.

24. Salonista Feedback • We are all the same - troubled about our work - but why ? we tend to forget we do the work for the right reasons whatever those reasons are just like a writer writes a book for the reasons he or she does? Someone, somewhere will read it. • There are many moments I feel I say too much but I am passionate about what we all do in any guise I suppose. I rode away thinking why DO we make art - I know it makes my heart sing as simple as that ................ • Now I need to go and think about some of the issues discussed yesterday evening.

25. Salonista Feedback • I enjoyed the experience and hope that I did in fact make a meaningful contribution to the evening. The comments I make are genuine reflections but after the event, I often wonder if I made any sense or if I have overstepped the line, if one had indeed been drawn. • I think it is a very brave thing to do - as you are bound to open yourself up to a lot of debate. I think that the format suits you very well - as you are very capable and able to keep the whole thing rolling. Not many people would be able to pull this off so well. I think it has a lot to do with your personality. I think that people throw a lot at you as they assume that because of your character, that you can take everything and anything in your stride. Not may artists can do this (even if they say that can!!!).

26. Salonista Feedback • I would be interested to know how the other evenings go and what you plan to do with the documentation acquired over the sessions. • If you were to sell your work what price would you place on it both large and small items? • I liked the way you used the glass panels on the altar area – what was there significance. Was it so people would see their reflection in the glass or was it a reference to the glass window in the space? • The note book, I'm afraid is part of me, a thinking tool, a way of focusing my mind and a comfort, and a way of logging my thoughts before I forget- even if they are all over the place it didn't occur to me one second that it would intimidate you, others may be but not you.