Professional Skill
1. Naming my work
Naming work appeared to be one of the most enjoyable sessions in my practice. I like how I imagine a general feeling in my work and use language to convey this feeling. So, the word in the name may not have a specific corresponding to the figure in the work. When viewers ask why I give the name to a particular piece, I can not answer. Sometimes I name the work according to the inspiration during the process, sometimes, I give the name because of the double entendres and ambiguousness of the story; most of the time, the name is the combination of the subject and its adherent adjunct. So I think it can be interesting to make an index to my various way of naming the work.
2. The difference between public statements and individual critical reflection
I find the way I present my work to the audience is different from the way I make critical reflections on the platform. During the process of documenting my works on the website, I attached a brief introduction next to each of the works. Those texts are more like the tone I applied in the exhibition, which is more like a description of what is happening in the painting. I am not good at conveying my intentions of making paintings, and I do not want my personal understanding to interfere other's comprehension of painting. Occasionally, I describe my methodology to others, such as why I use this particular colour, why I create such an effect and why I apply different mediums in my work.
However， in my critical reflection, I tend to concentrate on the motivation of my works and the developing logic between different pieces. I emphasise the turning point and the explanation towards changing moment. At the beginning of the MA course, the lecture by Ian More provides me a way to identify my practice which I find quite useful. Besides, I also learn the importance to identify the audience because I am talking to a public.
3. Reading Group
At the beginning of the MA course, I set up a reading group to provide a platform where I and members can share books, movies and works. There are six members in the group. Everyone every time should prepare a 10-15 minutes presentation to share in the group. And other members start a discussion about this topic for about 10 minutes.
The seminar happens in different places, sometimes at home, sometimes in the canteen and sometime in the student accommodation common room.
To better record the process, I built a pallet to document the ideas and process. I also make sound recordings.
Link to padlet
https://padlet.com/yuruohan1/4lrjdscwts05v48v
I think it is essential for me to call a group of peers who work in art and support each other like community members. As the discussion progressed, the seminars sometimes last for 3 hours and we are all immersed in the conversation.
4. Skills of Exhibition
a. Transport.
For finished works, ensure that the work is sturdy. Make sure that the painting is dry. Consider the transport of the work well in advance, whether the material is easy to transport and store. Be aware of the various shipping routes and the size and weight limits of the shipping company. As well as the storage space in the gallery after transport. All of this requires instructions written in advance. And be aware of the materials that can be used as packaging in daily life.
b. Research the exhibition space.
Research the exhibition space in advance, searching for a floor plan to help you find the ideal exhibition. Think about why it has to be this place. It doesn't have to be the most eye-catching and spacious, but the most suitable space for your work. And state it clearly when you submit your plans to the curator.
c. Installation issues.
For pieces that need to be assembled on-site, you must consult with the installation well in advance. And complete some work in the studio in advance. Rather than waiting until the installation in the gallery. Detailed instructions should be given for special installation options.
d. Safety issues.
For the Wilson Rd exhibition, I was asked to do a temporary safety check and to go to a woodworking workshop to make a box to cover the power section because I had not thought about safety issues in advance. And to anticipate what hazards might be posed by the audience's actions. These need to be marked out around the work.
e. Maintenance of the work on and off after the exhibition.
f. Wall repair and painting work after the exhibition. Cleaning of the floor.
Strategies for finding exhibition and open call opportunities.
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First of all, keep an eye on galleries, follow them on Instagram of other social platforms and categories the aesthetics, topics, themes, and artist of those galleries. Find out the most suitable galleries that can be your potential collaborator, in or out of the country. Make a list of the top 20.
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Secondly, follow up with the artist who has exhibition experience in those galleries.
Follow up on the art news aggregation platform weekly. Find out the themes of open calls, and workshops you are interested in.
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Make your map of art spaces. Surfing their website to find more information.
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Be aware of exhibitions that require a high entrance fee. This is because there may be curators in the middle making a profit.
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Always prepare a complete and exquisite portfolio, CV and artist statement. PDF is the most common format.
My future plan
In the near future, I am planning to stay in London for a short period of time. I will use this period time apply for PhD and look for exhibition opportunities at the same time.
Below is my plan：
1. Keep the habit of making reflections on exhibitions, articles and movies. Try to write critical articles and find publication opportunities. Keep documentation of thoughts, works and life events.
2. Based on my current research, prepare PhD application letters, and portfolios, and request letters of recommendation. Find institutions that can offer scholarships and state funds, as well as search for the National publicised study abroad foundation in China. Get in touch with the institutions and tutors. Submit my application before the deadline.
3. Continue to run reading groups twice a week.
4. Looking for residency and exhibition opportunities
List of my favourite art Web
Radical Art
http://radicalart.info/index.html
The Chicago Imagist
http://chicagoimagists.com/#discover
The edit
The New River magazine
Internet Archive
https://archive.org/details/animationandcartoons?tab=collection
Fvu art vedios