Installations

Thursday 16 September 2010

'Communitas Digitas', Nunhead Open 7, Final Images

The Nunhead Open 7 closed this past Sunday 13th at the Nunhead Community Centre.  It was a very busy few days, with a large amount of visitors to view the Open exhibits and artist's projects, as well as take part in Lady Lucy's Drawing Exchange.  Highlight's for myself were getting feedback and discussion on my work, Frog Morris singing and reading poems and meeting Labour councillor, Fiona Colley, whose blog I referenced within my installation.  Please view some final images below, courtesy of the lovely Dave Barton.




















Many thanks go to Jacquie Utley, Charlotte Squire and the rest of The Surgery group for inviting me to take part in the exhibition.

Tuesday 14 September 2010

Technology and 'the death of Art History' CHArt 2010 Conference


I have just signed up to attend this years CHArt conference which will explore the digital revolution's supposed interference with Art History.  The text below has been copied from the CHArt website.  You can view further information about the papers and how to sign up on their website.  Discounts are available before the 1st October 2010.

The CHArt 2010 Conference wishes to explore the role of digital technologies in the disruption of Art History and the profound changes in the way that we display, consume and study art.


In 1985, when CHArt was founded, new technologies only had a minimal impact on Art History. Twenty-five years on they have transformed the entire artistic process, from the creation and presentation of art, to its reception, dissemination and research. Reflecting on these changes, we will consider how Art History has evolved and in what ways digital technologies will continue to affect and transform the discipline in the future. The conference programme will include a panel discussion with invited experts.

This year's CHArt papers will examine the impact of digital technology on a range of issues including:

* Ownership, authorship, collaboration and re-use
* Access and participation
* Globalisation, communication and dissemination
* Research
* Pedagogy and teaching
* Conservation and preservation
* Commissioning, curation and documentation

Navigating the Mappae Mundi

As a virgin to The British Library, I am ashamed to say, I was doubly excited to see both the architectural interior of the British Library and the content of their current exhibition 'Magnificent Maps' on a recent visit to the Kings Cross site.  The curated history of maps explores a very visually interesting range of maps that chart the territory of kingdoms and continents through detailed drawing, carving and tapestry, that date back to the middle ages.  Presented in a non -chronological order, the maps which act in the exhibition as artworks - visualise physical landscapes through geographical territories, or through cultural and historical landmarks.  Such outlines of physical territories, demonstrate a heavy sense of political authority and state power, and would have been viewed in royal or government chambers.  Other maps, more visually colourful and jovial, such as the 'Tea Revives the World' illustrate the nations trade of this popular and refreshing drink at a time of international conflict.


McDonald Gill's poster of International Tea Trade, 1940


Diogo Homem, A Chart of the Mediterranean Sea, 1570 Photo: BL



The curators of the exhibition also include contemporary interpretations of the map through a few examples of artists who have used utilised the format of topographical diagram to explore cultural and philosophical territories.  An obvious recent example to include was Grayson Perry's 'Walthamstow Tapestry', however, a smaller work, an etching entitled 'Map of Nowhere' provided an interesting addition to the exhibition.  It was disappointing that the large print had been executed on several sheets of paper, instead using a larger press and paper to execute work. 

'Map of nowhere', Grayson Perry


'The Island', Stephen Walter




Stephen Walter's map of London - centrism, 'The Island', embodied the satisfying detail typfied with maps, in conjunction with humorous narrative and landmarks associated with the capitals topography. 

Illustrations of physical territories, borders, states, have made me consider the space that my current work is exploring.  Can the literal process of mapping attempt to pin down our navigation of digital spaces? Where would I begin?

'Magnificent Maps - Power, Propaganda and Art' continues at The British Library untl 19th September 2010.

Thursday 9 September 2010

'Communitas Digitas', Nunhead Community Centre, Nunhead Lane, 10th -12th September 2010








Site – specific installation, paint and vinyl.


Nunhead Community Centre.

Jenny Steele’s site specific installation, ‘Communitas Digitas’, at the disused Nunhead Community Centre draws from the graphics of online petitioning through blogs and local community forums that sought to reopen the important local amenity after closure due to a health threat. For a period of years, committed enthusiasts persisted in attempts to save the local gathering space through chemical testing, petitions, community meetings and discussion with the local council. Unfortunately, the decision was made earlier this year by the local authority to demolish the site permanently.


The digital architecture of the relevant sites - predominantly ‘Save the Nunhead Community Centre’ (http://nunheadcentre.blogspot.com/), ‘Nunhead Community Forum’ (http://nunheadforum.co.uk) and the local councillors blog, (www.fiona-colley.net/) - are juxtaposed with the physical architecture of the Nunhead Centre. Such digital spaces allowed limited discourse, communication and sense of community when the original structure remained physically present, yet out of limits. The architectural forms of the blogs and sites have been reproduced using black and white, colours predominant in print media – the prevalent leading media at the time of construction and inhabitation of the centre.


Jenny Steele would like to thank Dave Barton for his kind help in constructing the installation.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Twitter me up....

I recently joined twitter (later than most) and I am enjoying the short sharp messaging.  To follow me, who I am following, or my followers click here, its a great way to find out everything thats happening super fast.  Other networking sites I am registered on are Axis, which is fabulous for artists opportunities and networking in the UK mainly and Re-title, excellent for international residencies and exhibitions.