taylastudio2022

[taylastudio2022]

FINAL STATEMENT:

Empress 

Varying in size, final summative hand in, 2022. 

Found materials including ribbon, stockings, jewellery, lingerie, thread, tea bags, clay, PVA Glue, and makeup. 

Empress, explores textile processes that have been historically marginalised, due to their “feminine” associations. Using found materials to knit and assemble with, this work challenges notions of femininity, domesticity, and “craft”. 

These raw and found materials create a textile installation sculpture, that are dependent on each install, never being exactly the same. This eventual work suggests a body; holding a presence within it’s space. Empress, hopes to challenge and express a sense of “feminine energy”, coinciding with themes of tension and agency. 

This iteration of Empress, embodies a nook in the exhibition, which becomes the works ‘lair’. The work holds it’s own within the space that it occupies, drooping, and swaying, crossing and webbing, daring you to come closer. Further pushing conventional notions of ‘femininity’. 

In contrast to this, the work uses ‘domestic’ practices, to collage together materials associated with feminine masquerade, sexuality, and the home. This unconventional use of knitting, sewing, and textile processes that have traditionally been confined to the domestic realm, to make contemporary art sculpture, (that isn’t by any means traditionally “pretty”) offer a reimagining of the practices that have stemmed from my own memories and upbringing from the women in my life. 

A liberation from expectations and binaries of what defines a “good woman” or “femininity”. 

The visceral nature of the work alludes to the bodily, while also speaking to the agency the work holds. The movement and dynamic nature of the droop and pull, allows the work to be in control. After being suspended, how the work falls and behaves, is largely up to the work itself. Recalling anti-form ideology, and feminist narratives concerning control and autonomy over one's own body. 

[taylastudio2022]

FURTHER UNPACKING OF FINAL SUBMISSION:

My practice explores textile processes that have been historically marginalised, due to their “feminine” attributes. Knitting, knotting, and plaiting combine raw and found materials to assemble my sculptures and installation. The eventual works suggest a body; existing within the convergence of tension and agency, simultaneously challenging and expressing a sense of “feminine energy”.

RESEARCH/CONCEPTUAL IDEAS:

My research has stemmed from knitting as an initial teeny idea that began in Covid- Isolation all the way back at the start of this year, to this fulfilling project that considers, materiality, anti-form, feminist narratives, and notions of feminine energy. My research over this last semester was primarily focused on the progression of the install quality and material selection of my work. I consider textile artists, readings, books, feminist artists and theory, sculpture and installation artist precedents, etc etc.... The main concept has shifted slightly from a homage to feminine practices and the women who had come before me (in semester 1) to focus largely on these ideas of femininity, and how my work converses with these ideas. 

SELECTION OF WORK: 

I have made a wide variety of pieces of work over this last semester, using all sorts of materials. I ended up working with these three large-scale pieces, as I feel as though these works were my most developed and successful pieces. I think that the amount of work is also good, considering the space I had, I including any more would start to become too much and over crowded. I think that these pieces were the best range in materiality and palette also, compared to some of my previous tests. The fleshy and pinky tones speak to ideas of femininity, skin and the body, juxtaposed with this harsh black stocking and thread which provoke a sense of sexuality. 

SCALE:

I chose to make these works on this larger scale, as I think it really elevates the work, making it that much more engaging. This size also provokes a relation to the body as you are viewing it, as you are looking at, down, up, and level to the work. This size also meant flexibility and allowed edits to be made considering the space I got given for exposure. I am really happy with how the scale fits into this spot. 

MATERIALITY: 

As I have previously mentioned, I have used a selection of found and raw materials. I experimented with various materials before becoming to understand my selection (clothing, chair, shoe....)  I ended up selecting materials that “don’t match but are a set” - they all possess connotations to a body, flesh, skin, feminine energy, and domesticity..... Stockings, teabags, flowers, makeup, jewellery. These are then manipulated and crafted into this chaotic sort of creation, that is messy, noisy, and grotesque. These conventionally “girly” things are made to reject this ‘gentle, pretty, soft’ sort of ideal. This selection of material also further speaks to a body, and a sort of personification. 

INSTALL: 

The install of this work is an iteration of how the work inhabits space. I explored many modes of install over this past semester, which really helped my practice. The install is where the work really comes together, and my practice has become progressively more dependent on this in semester 2. I have usually ended up installing the work somewhere around the 2m height, so that the tension of the work has space to droop, and that the work sits at a height which still allows an engagement with the viewer. I have executed a few installs in which the work cuts and interrupts the room - taking over the entire space, and forcing an interaction with the viewer. This final exposure install required a slightly different approach, the height is still around 2m, stretching within it’s allocated space. Definite measurements aren’t important to the work/installation, as it is an organic and adaptive sort of work, that is fiddled with as it falls into place. 

[taylastudio2022]

LINK TO ARCHIVE OF PHOTOS:

I have included photos and documentation of everything already throughout my work-blog, but have attached a link to a google drive folder that has extended photos and copies of everything in my blog, full unedited collection of documentation over test installs and exposure install - if a closer look/more access to documentation was needed: 

Link :

 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VtorH2z89xxvrdQ7ZsaEMQhzT1LzJH-Y?usp=sharing

[taylastudio2022]

WORK IN CONTEXT / INSTALL :

I went in today to do a final check-up on the work, and get some documentation of my work in relation to the exhibition as a whole.

Documentation of Installation view, Empress, Exposure Exhibition 2022:

Rather than taking up an entire room - this iteration of Empress, occupies the space it inhabits. It creates a sort of lair, where it resides. I would consider it a confident piece of work that sort of dares you to come closer - still holds its own. You are able to see different moments and perspectives of the work as you approach, and walk along the work. 

^ I think my work fits in well where it is placed in relation to all the other work in the exhibition. It offers a different perspective from both ways you approach it, which is changing as you walk along it. The longer wall being on the far side (pictured above) works well as it sort of differentiates my work from the larger blue suspended work. 

^ The nature of my work suits well with all the other sculptural work in the space. 

^ I enjoy the asymmetric nature of the walls, it reflects this dynamic, organic element present within the work. It also allows for a bit more stretch, and for the work to be seen as you turn the corner, as you walk up to it.  

[taylastudio2022]

REFLECTION:

Critically reflecting on my final semester, I am really content and proud of what I have achieved and where I have ended up. 

With the exhibition paper being this semester, picking up a job for a few weeks to help financially, and Studio going up in credits, I definitely felt another jump up in Semester 2. This required paying extra attention to time management, and really fighting to push myself that little bit further. 

When I look back at where I started this semester, I am pleasantly surprised by how far the work, and my practice has come. I really struggled in the beginning of semester 2, figuring out what I wanted to take the work - and I am really proud of how much it has developed and progressed since. 

My iterations of installs that I used various test spaces for, really benefited my practice I feel, and consider it a high point of my submission. Seeing the work outside of studio space, and testing installs, allowed for the installation and materiality elements of the work to progress. Conceptually, I also think I have really rounded out my ideas and research - and am confident in the work. I am happy to see a big development between week 1 and final hand in. 

Having more time and ability, perhaps something I could have done differently, was pursuing more space/more spots for installing for exposure. I could have pursued the idea of the work coming out of the space more - although I am at peace with the fact that this is a different mode of install, that engages the contained space it has - sort of like the work’s lair - although having something more out stretched would have been cool, considering everyone makes sacrifices and compromises for space equipment etc - I’m pretty close to being 100% happy.  Simon walked through today and mentioned how this is ‘just enough space’ and that ‘ It could have more space, but not any less’ - which I also agree with. 

The expansion of materiality and how far I have pushed it, is another highlight of the semester. I initially started with strips of found clothing, and have since trialled and experimented with a wide range of mediums and objects that has resulted in some really successful additions to the work. 

All in all, I am really proud and appreciative of this final semester. I am grateful for the effort I put in, and am truly happy with what I have done.

[taylastudio2022]

FURTHER DOCUMENTATION OF SUMMATIVE INSTALL, DETAILS ETC:

Further documentation of summative install, Empress: 

^ Close up of the ‘threads’ in the work, really happy with how they are falling.

^ loving the bra straps and flowers 

^ really liking the material on the floor - I placed some of it there but a lot of it naturally fell that way.

^ really happy with how the jewellery ended up hanging - I tried a few ways of hanging it and think this worked best compositionally. 

^ also really like these gross/messy parts 

^ love these moments v !

^ Far right - I mentioned to Will the technician on day 1 about making the walls flush and he said that they were going to go through closer to the time to make everything flush - so hopefully they end up doing that, would make it look a little bit nicer. 

^ really happy! 

[taylastudio2022]

DOCUMENTATION OF SUMMATIVE EXPOSURE INSTALL:

Empress, Varying in size, found materials, stocking, makeup, jewellery, lingerie, thread, Summative Exposure Exhibition, Semester 2 2022. 

After some deliberation, adding subtracting, moving things around and editing, this is the final result. I am super happy of this final install. 

I think that considering this space and iteration of my work, this is the best it could be, and consider it a successful installation. This is a sculptural installation work that you view from many different angles as you walk along the front of it. The work still has 3dimensional qualities, despite being presented in way that has people view the work from the outside in, from along the front of the work. 

Like a lot of work - it is better experienced in person as the photos don’t do the work justice I feel. It’s hard to capture all the detail in the work, especially if the photos are too bright etc. 

[taylastudio2022]

EXPOSURE 2022 WEBSITE:

The exposure website for 2022 is live! So exciting and rewarding to see my profile and work up on the official website: 

Link to website: https://exposure2022.massey.ac.nz/

Link to my profile:  https://exposure2022.massey.ac.nz/students/fine-arts/tayla-prutton/

[taylastudio2022]

REFINING/FINAL TOUCHES OF INSTALL:

After trying out different iterations of install - I touched up the space once more, and came back the next day with fresh eyes to finish the process:

^ Still really like this iteration of the work. Adding in more objects and materials....

^ touching up the space a bit more 

^ I ended up re nailing and moving out the front piece, as it seemed a bit loose, and felt a bit mushed together. 

^ starting to add final additions to the work! 

Had one last meet up with Shannon and a few others from our Ropu briefly today & and got one final thumbs up and stamp of approval! Officially finished installing :) 

[taylastudio2022]

VARIOUS ITERATIONS OF INSTALL:

Spending some time trying out some different install iterations, playing with height, composition, layout etc: 

I spent sometime working with these, figuring out how to place them, and had a few chats with Shannon and Emma (and fellow students) considering the work when they were around during this process...

^ 2 pieces install test. I like the variation in height - but do feel as though it could do with the third part. Rounds the space/work out. 

^ another angle - definitely think that it is too empty with just 2 works - considering that this is more of a ‘look at’ install rather than an ‘immersive’ install - in a different circumstance perhaps 2 could have held their own - but for this exhibition I think the work will benefit from more. 

^ a different iteration of install - I think I want more variation in heights or something needs to be different. Looks too congested in a way that takes away from the detail/moments of space that I think the work really benefits from. The droopyness is also lost. 

^ Test install - triangular shape, far too linear and all at too similar heights. I think more variation and being more playful/risky with height is needed for the work...

^ Another angle - this was trialling the triangular composition that Simon suggested. 

^ another angle of the triangular layout. I like how the excess knitted threads are falling. 

^ I felt like this formation, even with changing heights etc, felt too compressed into one part of the space. 

^ Playing with height helped a lot, but I still thought that there was so much space on the right that was worth exploring/testing out. Felt too contained and bunched..

^ another slightly different iteration - I didn’t manage to document all of the different versions as there are endless variations with this work. I tried out different layouts, ie - which work went in the front, the middle the back....

^ trying out stretching the work in a different way - I really like this part of the work, and having a thread attached at a different height, I think works really well - and you can see all the details/knitting in this particular part really clearly which I really enjoy. 

^ starting to try out something away from the triangular form - using more of the space. 

^ another angle - starting to cross over threads etc. I think that spreading the works out is already working better than having them more compressed. I always get comments made on the ‘air’ and ‘space’ in the work being successful, and I agree that those moments are needed.

^ Another angle - again playing with height, almost all of the behind work is touching the ground in this iteration..

^ another variation - again, the works are at too similar height - far too congested, not able to see any detail or appreciate the work.

^ Getting closer to the final iteration - The variation in height, space, and stretch are working really well together. It has this droop and liquid movement to it, while having some space to breathe - while still occupying the space and being somewhat chaotic.

^ Another angle - I think this layout is most sympathetic to the work and my intent that I can be for this space. 

^ Really happy with where this is headed - feeling accomplished with this iteration. The height is about 28cm from the top, and the middle work on the left is about 124cm across - although measurements aren’t important for this work. I change and fiddle with the height, width etc all while in the space for what fits and looks best. It is organic and changing, different each time, and responsive to where it is.

[taylastudio2022]

NOTES & FEEDBACK DURING INSTALL:

Notes from Shannon & Emma:

Feedback from lecturers over the install days: 

Emma:

looking good!

worried you’re too contained? what is best for the exhibition - not concerning your grade/work (maybe? talk to Shannon)

Suspension goes with suspension - the space is gonna look good

^ This was a suggestion from Monday after I had mostly finished installing. I hear the suggestion - hanging and extending one of my works out into the space would look really cool! - but I would be interfering with 2-3 students space, and since we have already delegated spaces and not everyone is installed yet - and are down to one Technician due to covid - I really don’t think that this is feasible considering there is only one more day before final hand in. 

I had a similar conversation with Simon and Shannon - (Shannon agreed that I would be getting into other student’s space) How this is a different iteration of my work - due to considerations of space and other peoples work etc.... I am aware that this is doing different things than my solo installs in t24 for example, but I still think they are successful in their own right - acknowledging this is a different circumstance. 

All in all I think I got the thumbs up from Emma :) 

Shannon:

Interesting presentation of sculpture, as it is definitely something you look at from one side - be aware of that. (^^^^) 

complex

be aware of that reality, that people aren’t going to walk into it - not immersive, different type of install. 

bulk it out, add more stuff

play with heights, more range in height.

look at it from different angles, go away, come back, have breaks.

sort of like a diorama

liking the things on the floor

think you’re done - good work! 

Really good to hear some feedback points and words of encouragement over the past few days. Taking everything on board, and thinking about what is best all in all. Definitely agree with Shannon that this

I took on board Shannons advice during the install process - acknowledging this is a more 2-dimensional experience and engagement with the work. I think the variation in height worked super well, and made the work a lot more interesting. 

I got the stamp of approval from Shannon as well so I am feeling good! 

I’m really proud of the work so far, and am looking forward to final hand in! 

[taylastudio2022]

FIGURING OUT INSTALL + ‘FINAL’ WORK(S) FOR EXPOSURE:

On the 3rd day of install - Friday, after finishing up repairing and cleaning the space, I began considering how I will approach installing my final collection of works. 

Documentation of final pieces (individually):

- I approached this in the same way that I approached my installations in other spaces, thinking about taking up space and how it will look in between the walls that I have, and then going from there. 

- Simon mentioned to me during the first day, that having the works spreading out in a triangular position could be an interesting way to install, and respond to the space, since that left wall comes out further than the other wall. 

- I know I want to test out a few iterations of the work suspended from each side of this space. 

[taylastudio2022]

STARTING EXPOSURE INSTALL PROCESS!

Exposure prep and install has officially begun. Wednesday, everyone met at 10am for a de brief before we all split off to our respective areas. I’m in E04 with Eugene and Simon, and we got started right away! 

We started by going around the group, sharing what our work was and what we were planning to show, and what spaces we needed/wanted. It was really helpful to start imagining the entire space and what work might be in it. We then got stuck in clearing out all furniture, rubbish, and things that was left in the studio. 

After the space was relatively cleared out, we got into T-Walls and designating spaces for peoples work. We had a layout established pretty quickly, (with some wiggle room). The first variation of my spot felt too cramped and restricted for the work. After speaking w/ Simon and Eugene, we were able to flip and move around the T-walls to that my space opened up and improved dramatically. 

I have a nook, which to the side of the room, and has a closed back, meaning that this will be a less immersive and interactive installation - but, I do think that this is still a great space for the work, and will just be engaged with/viewed differently than my previous solo-installations. This works better for the entire room as a group exhibition/situation. Considering everyone else work in the space etc. This isn’t detrimental to my work - it will be presented in a different way.  

Documentation of space & start of prep process:

Wednesday - Friday = Cleaning, repairing, painting, prepping space. 

^ Starting to lay out work...

^ After first layer of wall paint & filling and sanding as much as I could. 

^ first layer of floor paint

^ 2nd layer of floor paint

Over the 3 days, I ended up doing 3 layers of wall paint, and 2 layers of floor paint after cleaning, sanding (where I could) and filling. Really happy with how the space is looking - can’t wait to see how it looks when everyones installed and prepped. 

Really good to be able to see where/what space I have to install with, means I can start thinking about how i’ll install my work etc...

[taylastudio2022]

CLEARING + CLEANING OUT STUDIO:

Clearing out and moving out of our studio space in preparation for exposure! 

Me and Elana spent a day cleaning, sanding, filling and repainting our studio space. Not long after the technicians came in to black out the space and move everyones work out of the way since our studio is the dark space. 

^ all left over work for exposure install etc, stored away for Wednesday. 

Excited to see the studio spaces once everyone gets in to move everything that isn’t needed for exposure, out! I think it will really open up and transform the studios.

[taylastudio2022]

IDEAL INSTALL CONCEPT/ INTENTION:

Reiterating my favourite install of my work so far.  Highlighting the concept/install which is the closest to my intention for the work - before final install, considering compromise and changes will be have to be made for our exposure exhibition/summative hand-in.

The work has developed and grown since these photos/installs in WK11-12, but this sort of concept would be ideal for my work. 

My T24B installs are the most indicative to what I hope the work to be - If I could have (obviously unrealistic for a group situation & exposure) , I would love to have the work taking up an entire room, like in this install. 

This has the entire work occupying the space, and invites more of an engagement with the viewer. This allows for a more installation and sculptural affect as you are able to walk around, duck under, and view the work from all of its angles. 

The engagement with the space and people would also be heightened in this sort of install. Being able to have the entire room would also allow the work more breathing room and space - would be more free and liberated. The work would also have a lot more of a presence & autonomy being the only thing occupying the space, and being able to take up the whole space. 

Empress, T24B Install: 

Ideally, or for a solo show, I would love have to have my work in the middle of a room/space, most similar to this installation. 

 (more documentation etc on previous T24B posts) 

All of the points made above are really beneficial to the experience of the work, and reinforce the conceptual intent - which is why I did a handful of installs in this way -

but I do think that installing and adapting the work for exposure, in a group setting, and adjusting the work to what space I have, will offer a new and exciting experience that will be successful in perhaps a different way.

Installing for exposure will further push the site responsive element - and I’m intrigued to see how I can adapt and install the work...

[taylastudio2022]

PREPARING/TESTING DEVELOPED BODY OF WORK:

Starting to refine and consider the work(s) that I am showing for final hand-in. I have the entire work as done as it can be before install, and am really happy with how it has turned out. 

^ It is harder to tell what it will look like truly installed (as we have limited studio space and no access to test spaces at the moment) but you are able to see the body of work taking shape! - 3 different sections/pieces to the work. 

^ Latest addition in fuller form - still not “finished” but almost there. 

^ The pieces with the ‘threads’ attached - getting really excited seeing it all coming together - I really appreciate what the threads do to the work, as I feel like really elevate the installation. Seeing the work up, although not refined what so ever - still allows me to see some shapes and compositional ideas coming through... 

^ v - testing out some hanging ideas, different heights, etc, with a T wall. Still hoping to have 2 walls to suspend the work between, and have more space, breathing room within the install. 

^ Really liking how its coming along! Am excited to get into a space :) I’m really enjoying the development of the added bags and pieces as well, and how they are falling..

^ Laying out what I have while we all prepare/repair our spaces for exposure. I’m really happy with what I have and the amount of work I have made, as it leaves room for editing etc... I am also still hoping to change up and make decisions - once I know what space I am installing in - I hope to work with the space I have, and potentially add more objects and materials to the work, and make compositional/layout decisions in a site-responsive nature.

[taylastudio2022]

DEVELOPMENT & DOCUMENTATION OF WORK - “THREADS”:

I have made what I have ended up naming “threads” as a part of my body of work. I knitted  7 of these “threads” in the end, ranging from around 1m - 1.6m approx. (un stretched) out of strips of stocking. These were made for the ends of each piece, to suspend the work by. Knitting strips of stocking make them stronger and stretchier - allowing for flexibility and movement/bounce. 

^ 4 of the 7 ‘threads’ documented above, I used a variety of flesh coloured and black stockings.  Test installing the series of “threads” - made me think of my initial Anti-form research from semester 1, and starts to evoke a sense of primary Anti-form artists such as Richard Serra’s work etc

 - These are truly just what they are, the materials fall and exist simply as they do. 

^ Eva Hesse 

^Richard Serra, Template 1967 ^

^ I had done this previously with 3-4 stitches (width of knitting) but I think that this series of ‘threads’ using 2 stitches, works a lot better. 

^ Documentation of a grouping of the flesh coloured ‘threads’ - Love how body-like this looks.

^ Another view - this is very minimalistic feeling compared to the rest of my work. 

^ another angle of a selection of the ‘threads’. 

A passing comment by someone saying they are interesting on their own, influenced me to document and reflect on these before they become a part of the entire body of work. Because of this, I have a sort of new found value and recognition for these ‘threads’. Although it doesn’t make sense for me and my work right now - this could be an interesting avenue to explore in the future - stripped back and simplified to these strips of knitting. I may include the spare ‘thread’ in the final installed work somehow. They will all be included in the work - dependent on space etc - will be interesting to see how they fall and exist within the entire work.