So there are a million and one things I keep meaning to see, wanting to read, getting round to watching and now is as good a time as ever for me to open my eyes, do all of these things and then tell whoever reads this all about it! I thought a trip to Tate Liverpool with my buddy, Callum would be a perfect excuse to get back in the saddle. WordPress is still as confusing as ever and I’m more than a bit rusty so bare with me…
That picture was taken in the Century Rolls exhibition which, at the moment, is showcasing the most incredible, silver gelatin prints from experimental artist, Matt Saunders. We both adored his work and how the entirely greyscale collection completely transforms the groundfloor Wolfson Gallery into a haunting den of dense atmosphere and almost audible imagination. His work has been described as “hypnotic” and a better adjective you could not find to do so.
There is definitely an undeniable dark side to this collection and for some, this may be it’s downfall; it’s not going to be for everyone, but it had me well and truly mesmerised. The subliminal darkness and slightly disturbing energy which radiates from each sizeable piece as you observe in the silence of the gallery is something which really appeals to me. Despite the lack of sound, the exhibition seems to be so loud. You always remember those artists who genuinely manage to communicate to you through their artwork.
We also absolutely loved Pak Sheung Chuen‘s exhibition, A Travel Without Visual Experience. Quite unintentionally this showcase has us in stitches as we were directed into a pitch black room and instructed to view the artwork merely through using flash photographs on our iPhones. Our hilarity played right into the artist’s hands as the motivation behind Chuen’s work was to put the spectator into a situation in which they were denied their vision and be provoked into considering our reactions.
Cheun embarked on a 5-day tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, documenting his journey through photographs taken with closed eyes and a mere reliance on the heightening of all other senses. The exhibition gives its audience a sense of “travel without visual experience” and it has to be one of the most bizarre and exciting installation concepts I have seen in a long time. I would definitely recommend seeing this for yourselves as first hand experience does it far more justice than written description.
See you soooooon! 🙂
Its good to see someone who sees it their way, and writes it in their words, back in the Blogosphere.
Look forward to the next post.