Sarah Lucas Exhibition @ Whitworth Art Gallery

Whitworth Art Gallery is located in Whitworth Park amongst the University of Manchester and opened in 1908. The interior design is light and spacious, perfect to really take in the surrounding pieces on show.

I entered the gallery with a broad mind, uncertain on what to expect. I hadn’t researched what was on prior to arriving and artist Sarah Lucas reminded me that the possibilities really are endless. My first initial thought when walking into her exhibition was ‘Tracey Emin’ and I wasn’t far off. After reading a bit about her, I learnt that she and Emin were friends who owned an art shop in 1993.

Sarah Lucas’s work reflects everything about the advance in confessional and expressive art in the 90’s.

Installations like the one at Whitworth Gallery bares questions in a lot of the public’s minds such as, ‘what is the point?’ and ‘how can this be called art?’ In fact, my partner who accompanied me said just that! Her art, including that exhibited, has a strong aesthetic of sex and relationships. Lucas reveals concern about how we visualise the body, how society stereotypes gender and the problems implicated from this. In my opinion, I understand why some people make these statements about this category of installation art. However, when you see it in front of you, you gain some appreciation. It creates conversation and healthy debate whilst opening minds to look at issues in a different light; or perhaps just gaining interest in someone else’s opinion of them.

With roughly 10 pieces installed, 1 stood out for me. ‘The Stinker’ consists of an imitation of oddly shaped legs spread out across a chair whilst a much bigger phallic cigarette sculpture sits between them. To me, it represents obtrude and obnoxious attitudes males have towards sex. My interpretation concerning the use of cigarettes is that they’re used to reflect her view on men, or perhaps that’s just a thought from my own experiences. Cigarettes in my view are dirty and unattractive and after reading a study from the Tate website about The Stinker, I found that this is the correct interpretation. 

Interestingly however, the knowledge that Lucas commonly uses cigarettes to reflect cravings and pleasure creates a whole different meaning for the installation.

Although I could go on, I conclude, to allow a bit of mystery towards the rest of this exhibition as it is one to visit. 

The Scottish Drawing Exhibition @ the Royal Scottish Academy

After an exhausting day it’s always pleasant to unwind and totter around a nearby exhibition. The Scottish Drawing Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh is definitely perfect for spending time doing some light observing. It’s a shame you can’t photograph the amazing work because I wish I could share it however I will do my best at explaining which pieces stood out to me and why.

Point and Click game 'Machinarium' by 

                Admiring the vast array of work whilst I strolled from room to room, a lot of pieces caught my eye. One piece in particular was a piece called ‘Drawings for Sculpture 1989 – 92’ by the artist Doug Cocker. The collection of images a plan for a sculpture he is/was working on. The grungy, tinny, rustiness of each one was something I admired. They reminded me of a game created by Amanita Design, everything from the colour palette to the concept, are extremely similar. After researching more on Doug Cocker, I learnt that he is in fact a successful sculptor. Looking at his 3D work, I am in love with his Grotesque Head. It is interesting to see his obvious relationship with industrial design relating so between beautiful illustrations to ginormous rustic sculptures.

                

Basin Summer Rain - Ian McKenzie Smith
(Similar to work exhibited)

      In contrast to this, there was a piece that grabbed my attention for all the wrong reasons. I love that in the world of Art and Design there is no right or wrong answer in terms of a concluded piece of work. Yet a piece by artist Ian McKenzie Smith called ‘Chanonry Lodge 1957’ bewildered me slightly. To me, it prompted thoughts of spare paper I use to wipe my brushes on after washing them. I respect that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I appreciate anyone who created work because there is always an explanation behind it. My personal opinion has always been the same in terms of contemporary art however sometimes I do find myself contradicting myself. Let’s just say this piece definitely challenged my thought process!

As a whole, my experience whilst walking round the exhibition was a pleasant and educational one. If I could write about them all I would as there were some fantastic pieces that inspired me. One thing I learnt is that art is extremely variable, as stated before there is no right and wrong, the beauty of it is finding the confidence to make it your own.

Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

Being a fan of all things vintage and (more importantly) all things cheap, I anticipated Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair would be a wonderful event to attend. I am enthusiastic about not only vintage items, but also second hand clothes in general. It is simply the knowledge that I am investing my money into something I know is reliable. I am also a sucker for a good designer label.

                I will start by saying that the garments, jewellery and other goodies were overall a pleasure to look through. It’s a good job I enjoy browsing as unfortunately, in my opinion, a vast amount of the items were overpriced. I appreciate that some of these items were as old as my Nan and in great condition however from experience I know I could find something similar a great deal cheaper. As I gazed across to the jewellery, I couldn’t help but witness a stall owner debating with numerous potential buyers about the price of her stock. Her jewellery was lovely but I’m glad I wasn’t the only one noticing the contradictive use of ‘Affordable’ in the event title.

                On a more positive note, all of the stalls were an absolute joy to look through, indulging the raw musty smell as I moved along. The event was in Freemasons Hall in Manchester, popular for holding banquets and weddings. Its popularity is due to the beautiful interior design, including huge marble pillars and grand ceilings. Built in 1912, it complimented the antiquity of the occasion massively.

                One item that court my eye especially was a collar/scarf entirely made from the whole body of an arctic fox, (yes, entirely) eyes, nose and nails all included. I understood that it was an old piece but there was something disturbing about it. Perhaps it made me think of my cat when he got ran over or maybe because I think foxes are adorable. Come to think of it, I recall it looked extremely hideous and disfigured. Grimacing as I curiously touched it, I wondered who would buy such a thing, but then again what a waste it would be if it was thrown away.

                Overall, regardless of the fact that I left with my purse no lighter than when I arrived, it was a really interesting experience. Tea and cake along with an opportunity to indulge into racks and rails of history was definitely worth the trip.