Research activities
My current research and artistic practice explores the presentation of the unfinished project and notions of the fragmented work. The paradox or impossibility of trying to ‘contain’ something that is meant to remain un-framed is at the heart of the project and raises questions about whether the work or project is itself in a state of ruin, failing in a way to remain intact and opening up potential spaces for renewed practice. In this way practice is always coming into being.
Referencing often incomplete structures and fragmentary materials associated with architecture, construction and the studio, my work explores how the artwork/viewer/location relationship is constantly being disrupted through a provisionalised engagement. Dadaist ‘visual disturbances’ are created in meaning and function. Diverse media are deployed exploring notions of fragility – especially with reference to the first and second frame (Kosuth) – opening up the fragile construct that is the frame or ‘parergon’ (Derrida).
Material acts of cutting, placing, joining, re-cutting, inverting, replacing and un-joining telescope dramatically between building and unbuilding and a sense of calculated ruination befalls any intended ‘outcome’ pointing to a space of potential ‘dis-assembly’ - perhaps within the join itself.
There is sense of playfulness - even a form of ridicule or humorous comment on institutional frameworks at large, drawing attention to mistakes, running repairs, wonky constructions, calamitous assemblages, emphasizing erroneous logic and resisting the commodification of art.
Artwork as incomplete project or in a semi-ruinous state is a by-product of this process.
