Gallery Vists- 2/4

Mandy Barker- Beyond Drifting

Mandy Barker is a photographer who frequently discusses the issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. She works with scientists and organisations such as Greenpeace, travelling the world to conduct research and collect data.

In ‘Beyond Drifting’ Mandy Barker conducts a semi fictional scientific study of plastics found in our ocean, drawing parallels to a study on plankton by John Vaughan Thompson, conducted in Cobh, Cork in the 1800s. Her images of different microplastics are presented as specimens in contrast to Thompson’s original work on plankton. This series draws parallels between plankton, the natural bottom of the food chain, and microplastics which are now being eaten by marine animals. Barker’s photos are specifically interesting due to the context she places them in. She gives each item a fake scientific name, and the exhibition includes an old looking science book that presents Barker’s findings with references to Thompson’s original study. This structure adds another layer to the work and makes it much more intriguing. ‘Beyond Drifting’ elicits an emotional response from the viewer. The presentation of the microplastic as scientific specimens lends the work a sense of gravity. It considers how deeply integrated plastic is into our lives, and our ecosystems.

 

Ophelia Medustica (Pram wheel)

I think the way that the presentation of the work informs and elevates the experience of the viewer is very admirable. The photos themselves are interesting, but combined with the fake scientific names, the references to Thompson, and the science book, it becomes a much more immersive and intriguing experience. I think this use of multiple layers of different parts of the work, and the creation of a narrative in this way is something I can definitely learn from and take inspiration from in the future.

Title Page Spread

MONO

MONO includes work from many different artists, all in the form of one-off printmaking. Each piece is unique and the exhibition encompasses many different art styles and techniques. Every piece is a monoprint, or a monotype, but there is a huge range of techniques and materials explored within these boundaries. One of many pieces that caught my eye is Razed by Tom Hammick. Hammick studied at Camberwell College of Art and the University of Manchester, and currently teaches painting and printmaking at the University of Brighton.

Razed (2020) - Tom Hammick

I think what drew me to this work specifically was the organic texture throughout, and the contrast between the bright yellow and dark blue. The texture in this piece is created through the uneven yellow wash applied to the background. There are white spaces showing through the yellow, giving the house a sense of illumination. There are also little blue and white marks visible on this background, adding to the texture of the piece. It also adds to the idea that this piece is a one off. the incidental marks make the piece feel more unique, and less stiff. This is definitely something I find inspiring about this work. The sense of looseness in the background, incidental marks, and softer, sketchier lines creates a lovely contrast with the cleaner, geometric shapes and lines of the house. This combination is very interesting to me.  I also am intrigued by the areas of detail, such as the foliage on the tree, and the gate at the side. These add a lot of visual interest to the piece, adding to the overall impression of texture throughout. The use of natural incidental marks and the areas of detail are both something I will consider in future.

The colours used also contribute to the visual interest of this piece. the combination of bright yellow and dark blue is very successful, as it creates contrast, and the bright yellow catches the eye while the dark blue provides depth and detail. The limited colour palette allows the piece to retain a sense of simplicity. This palette is very effective, and something I can definitely learn and take inspiration from.