I really enjoyed getting out of the studio the other day, having the opportunity to see art in a different setting, in the physical rather than on a screen or even in a book. There is something about having the chance to invest more time in each piece of work in contrast to scrolling through endless images online that is somewhat more inspiring and captivating. Maybe it is the active nature of actually going somewhere, of actually being on your feet and walking to and around the work, but there is definitely a value in seeing the work physically, in seeing the brush strokes and marks that built up the work; being able to look closely at each piece and deconstruct the process is important to me.
There was a real mix of work in this gallery as I have written in my notebook above. I didn't like perhaps the majority, but I don't discredit the value not only in the work but also in seeing the work. I spoke to matt briefly about the value in seeing work you aren't really keen about, in how that further informs what you do like and what resonates with you more and why. I was never very drawn to the traditional white wall galleries but over time I think I have grown to appreciate them more and I want to find more time to invest in more visits.
Making connections between work is also important and it comes back to that deconstruction of art and practitioners. For example the Gyorgy Gordon drawing on the right really resonated with me, not only for it's loose, gestural style but also because it reminds me of the work of Anthony Lister, a street turned gallery artist who I have previous been a big fan of. Seeing Gordon's drawing in comparison with Lister's then strengthens the connections in my head about what work I relate to and why, even if this is more on a subconscious level.
