The starting point for this project was
consecutively the material, and the location. The cling wrap came as a result
of group discussion and brainstorming possible ideas; this was the only
material we all found pleasing, and agreed upon. The location was singled out
by assessing the locations and choosing one based on our ideas of an appealing
location; the high point, open space, and seclusion was what initially
attracted us. It was through the process of experimentation and the construction
of the artwork that ideas were formed. Prompting from the outcomes and the
fragility and flexibility of the material produced concepts that would apply to
the nature of the artwork and the impression it evokes.
From multiple experiments with stretching the
cling wrap across a space, and the way it reacted with the surroundings, we
settled on using it in a simplistic way to draw attention to the way it
responds to the natural elements, particularly the wind. During construction we
found that it was too simplistic and didn’t do much to adjust the space. We
tried including a bench that was originally part of the space, but it was
aesthetically displeasing as it made it look too busy. We sought to come up with something to
include that would remedy this problem. Being inspired by the works of several
artists who interacted directly with people, in particular Marina Abramovic, we
settled on the idea of performance, or interactive art.
The cling wrap of the finished piece forms an
enclosed barrier, within which a person could be situated. The person inside
the enclosed space represents the collective ‘individual’, and the cling wrap
is the barrier of their perceptions of themselves, within which we are all
trapped. The idea is that our thoughts and perspectives, even those of our
subconscious, form and shape our physical reality, and our behaviour. Inside
our brain, our thoughts are not physical, but they are still physicalised
through both conscious and subconscious carrying out of thought.
An example is the effect current technology has
on us. Social media is all about self promotion; the mass input of posts that
are all about the individual, and what they are doing leads to a very self
absorbed way of thinking that our generation has adapted. This mental state in turn influences us
externally; it impacts and controls our lives to the point where we our turned
inwards mentally, forming a barrier; a limited perception. The physical version
of this barrier present in the artwork is transparent like its real counterpart,
yet still has the ability to have a profound effect on the individual.
The outcome was as we envisioned, however we encountered some
weather related issues; the cling wrap was broken apart by the weight of
overnight rain. There were some interesting aesthetic qualities that resulted,
though. While a lot of the barrier had fallen down, some still remained
suspended in the space, capturing the rain. The collection of raindrops on the
plastic was also quite lovely. In this state, rather than capturing the wind,
as it did when it was dry, it captured water instead. This unexpected outcome
ruled out the possibility of an interactive performance, but provided
opportunities for problem solving, and produced an outcome that was more
aesthetic than conceptual.
