Less is less and more is more...?

There are several conflicting maxims in life, that I often consider, when reflecting on the levels of effort, time and quantity in relation to the success of an art practice.  With regards to presentation and content, we are often  told - 'Less is More'.  To achieve development through production - 'Practice makes Perfect'.  And the ultimate, undoubtable, recipe for achievement; which was embedded in my psyche by a sign above my school teachers door, which promised and preached that  - 'Success is 10 per cent inspiration, and 90 per cent perspiration'.

I went to see a solo show at the end of July 2011, 'Bower' by Jason Kerley at the Toilet Gallery in Kingston Upon Thames, which made me question notions of effort and quantity when presenting work. 

The Toilet Gallery is a disused public space, that has exhibited small shows since 2006, and the programme is currently curated by Tristan Rogers, Kate Renwick and Adam Lewis-Jacob.Jason Kerley, a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator, presented/ curated an installation of objects, artworks and ephemera around the small space, with a sound installation in the back gallery space that emitted an overwhelming drone.  Kerley presented all the objects that we hold onto in our various drawers, boxes and bags; pieces of paper and tickets that we like for a whimsical reason and then have difficulty letting go of. The objects were held together by drawing and painting, careful placement within a three dimensional collage.  The result was a collection of imagery and kind of wonderkammer that is both intriguing and suffocating.  The everyday throwaway nature of the objects drew in viewers closer to read the text, so that we engage longer with the work.  The collections of objects around the space sometimes seemed to be driven by colour co-ordination or some other kind of personal grouping.  'Artwork' within frames was hung without cohesion.

'Bower', Toilet Gallery, July 2011

'Bower', Toilet Gallery, July 2011

The sense that the objects are cluttering ephemera, is ignited again by the artists post exhibition practice of mailing parts of the exhibition to visitors, if they hand write their address upon one of the assorted envelopes at the back of the space.  Through this process, the items can be released with a new sense of purpose or recylced identity.

I discussed the presentation of the work with the artist.  Kerley said, "Usually I work in post-minimalist, gestural style sculpture.  I came to do the installation, with a whole load of objects, and just kept on going".  It seems that Kerley kept on going, giving MORE time, MORE effort and MORE in the presentation.  Quite adverse to the post minimalist philosophy of considered and minimised visuals and forms, within which he usually works (http://www.jasonkerley.co.uk/), Kerley's previous work is disguised through the maxim of 'less is more' through gestural and minimalist sculpture. 

'Bower', Toilet Gallery, July 2011

'Bower', Toilet Gallery, July 2011

I am left pondering several questions -

How did Kerley find himself following another maxim for his presentation, that emphasised continued, sustained effort, and quantity?

Did this approach benefit his practice and the finish of the work?

Will he continue working in this chaotic, layered, expressive style?

Do we focus more when there is less physical work, or do more objects create more opportunity for response and interpretation?

I can emphasise with these conundrums.  So much of my practice, decision making, when creating my own work, is hung on delicate decision making. Do I include that piece of work in the show? Does it lower the bar of the other works? When do I finish this drawing? When do I stop working on this proposal? When is enough work and effort to ensure success?....

These maxims guide me, but sometimes, it is difficult to know when to trust your judgement, and more often than note there are no guidelines.