Main points to take from the general discussion.
Research suggestion around contextualising my making with wire.
My tutor’s suggestion to delve into Foucault’s ideas on Space and Heterotopias was a transformative moment. She will share a pdf with me. In the meantime, I read an eight-page pdf (Foucault and Space, (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320184686_Foucault_and_space/fulltext/59d384a90f7e9b4fd7ffb2c5/Foucault-and-space.pdf) and share the following notes as I realise the opportunity for me to define space in my making. ( I consider to write a blog about this after my tutor shared the pdf she had in mind. It will seem that by applying Foucault’s concepts of space and heterotopia to my wire nest installations, I can deepen the theoretical underpinnings of my practice and create more impactful art.)
Notes on Foucault on Space and Heterotopias
Foucault’s concepts of space and heterotopia offer a framework for understanding how specific spaces function within and against societal norms and how they can be used to reveal more profound truths about our social structures and power dynamics. I appreciate that Michel Foucault’s concepts of space and heterotopia are part of his broader work on how societies organise and control space, knowledge, and power.
Foucault sees space as social, cultural, symbolic, political, and functional. It is not just a positivist scientific observation. It becomes ideas about how we reflect on our culture. He argued that spaces are not neutral but imbued with power and social meanings.
The concept of heterotopia describes real places that exist outside of ordinary spaces but are still connected to them. Heterotopias are distinct from utopias, which are idealised, imaginary spaces. Instead, heterotopias serve specific functions and have meanings within a society.
The juxtaposition of incompatible spaces was vital to me. I understand that Heterotopias can bring together incompatible spaces in the ordinary world.
By creating a wire nest installation, I can think of it as a heterotopia if it embodies a space that reflects and challenges the viewer’s perceptions of home, safety, and confinement. The nest could juxtapose the natural (nest) with the artificial (wire), creating a space that speaks to both protection and entrapment, mirroring societal tensions. By choosing wire, a material associated with barriers and protection, I can produce a space that critiques and comments on societal norms and power structures, engaging viewers in thoughtful reflection. I would argue that my nests carry cultural and symbolic meanings: while nests in nature symbolize home, safety, and nurturing, but made out of wire, the nest transform into a symbol of confinement and restriction. This juxtaposition highlights space’s cultural and symbolic layers, showing how a simple object can have multiple, often conflicting, meanings based on its material and context.
I could also argue that the nests’ relational aspect is crucial. This relates to the viewer’s experiences and perceptions of space, safety, and confinement. I can explore how context affects their interpretation by placing the nests in different environments (public spaces vs. galleries – my tutor suggested this opportunity for the Solo Studios exhibition). I should use the opportunity during August to exhibit my wire nest for viewer interaction about the space in which it is displayed. In my mind, controlled lighting will emphasize shadows and the illusion of flatness. The work will also reflect on the theme of Breath, Breeze and Winged Things and how the making was meditative and repetitive. It acts as a nest for birds by bringing the inside of the nest to the outside (turning the inside out) – the viewer can see into the nest, and the breeding chambers and tunnels into the nest are placed on the outside. I also want to use soundscapes of bird songs to create an auditory sense of nature, contrasting with the visual confinement of the wire. ( In the future, I would like the nest or more nests, to be in a public space.)
I think this reading/research/understanding can deepen the conceptual framework of my wire nests. My work can be seen as creating physical and symbolic spaces, challenging viewers to consider themes of care, confinement, loss, and connection. This theoretical framework enhances the meaning of your work, positioning it within a broader discourse on the production of space and the power dynamics inherent in spatial configurations
This discussion and my further reading contribute to a more positive outlook on my work. I have been doubting my choice of material and how to position the nest as a wire object. I do not want to ‘reproduce’ nature but want to push towards themes that highlight protection versus confinement and look at the idealised secure environment versus chaos in the world. I can create conversations by playing with scale, materials, and the nest’s structure. I like that Heterotopias came into my ‘world’; it will help me challenge perceptions around protection and confinement. Today, I realised the nest could lie on the ground, not necessarily hang on a wall. This insight has enlightened my process, and I appreciate the journey it has taken me on.
Planning for my exhibition
I informed my tutor that I am participating in a local exhibition, Breathe, Breeze, and Winged Things, and my wire nest will be part of the work. This will happen over a weekend in August (Solo Studios 9-11 August 2024:solostudios.co.za/q-studio/). This is an opportunity to show my work and interact with viewers. I like the idea that the work will be in a different space where I can get viewer feedback.
I want an exhibition at my home – in middle to late October 2024. It is still a green time in the season, although harvest time would be finished; rain and winds should not be a threat. I think of using one of the barns or the area along the dam in front of our home. I also want to work with another local artist, Sonia Rademeyer, to perform around a nest. We discussed that, in terms of my assessment, other artists’ work could not become part of the evaluation. I could write about it – make it part of my analysis. The critical consideration is whether this performance will not take away from my work but rather bring another dimension.
(Afterwards, I thought of my plan to use sound– will explore this during the Solo Studios Exhibition in August ( https://karenstanderart.co.za/laure-prouvost-ideas-to-consider/)
My tutor reminded me of the opportunity to use the performance part as a critique of my work by looking at it through the eyes of my ‘collaborator’. I can write freely about that in my work as part of my studies. I realise I am testing the nest for performance – the work of Andreas Hetfeld comes to mind. He is very much linked with community work and in reaction to social issues where he would involve the community. I feel I can do the same in my community. I think there is an opportunity in how the work speaks to broader human experiences around connectedness. Our own country has a history of Apartheid, and in our community, there are so many social issues that could be talked about.
Feedback on the Assignment work
We first look at the wire nest on the wall. At that stage of the making, I show the interior tunnel into the chambers outside of the nest—bringing the inside to the outside. I value the feedback of not being too literal with the work – not hanging it even, placing it on the floor surface.
We then looked at the drawings and photographs of my looped wire. I am currently exploring this further as part of my body of work. I had a crit with my student group and am considering working with graphite. I am encouraged to add it to my nests – the drawings inscribe space. They have a sense of depth to them – it makes one think of enclosures but also brings to mind entry and exit points, boundaries and spaces. I can also consider working on the ground the same colour as the photo images, which were taken on the painted cement floors. The tones and depth in the wire images will work well with a softer background. I value that my tutor sees the sensitivity of my hand working alongside; it is much stronger than my paintings. I agree that it is much more evocative of my work, which greatly encourages me.
I should now hone in on this and develop the drawings. Consider the scale of the body of work—where will I place them? I should focus on refining — I have enough to choose from and develop.
We also considered the plan – should I do more work on this?
My tutor suggested that my focus, for now, be on the exhibition, who will see the work, what art groups I will connect with, and who I will invite. Will I get somebody to document the work and all the professional things that need to fall into place (website)
My blog for the planning and thoughts around the exhibition in August can be found at:https://karenstanderart.co.za/thoughts-for-making/
The date for the next assignment is 5 August or 12 August. If we settle on 12 August, I can add a reflection on the Solo Studio Exhibition.
Also, I’m sorry I didn’t use my earpiece. I realized (in my recording) that my two grandsons were quite noisy in the background; please accept my apologies.