extra Ordinary

Gallery: Elective Galleries 1 and 2 at Cadman Studio, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent

Exhibited and Curated by Sharon Mellor, Carmen Mullen, Daniel O’Neill and Quynh Tran

Date:  12/03/09

 What is it about? Unusual that I’m going to review my own exhibition, but this is just an extra review that I like to do. And our theme is that sometimes that even the most dull, everyday life can be turned into something very magical and special to each person’s eyes; this is our interpretation of this.

 What’s Interesting? Split between 2 elective galleries, it has a very neat layout that sits in between the photography section (elective gallery 1) and the paintings by Daniel O’Neill (elective gallery 2). And interestingly, many people thought that going through the artworks in order, is like transitioning from childhood-like playfulness and innocence, to the dull-looking everyday life that some adults have lost them for some time. And it was nice to see some people commenting on my piece, which I refuse to call it artwork and instead, call it an unusual version of a narrative comic.

 What’s Not So Interesting? Nothing, but some people suggested that there should be more objects, more pieces of artwork and bits that people keep telling me to put some more (although in my opinion, adding more objects will only increase the spoilt look of the gallery and that I don’t like crowded objects ruining the view).

 Overall? At least, the exhibition made many people put a smile on their face, though barely a few people actually came to write their comments.

Spectrum

Gallery: Elective Galleries 1, 2 and 3 at Cadman Studio, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent

Exhibited and Curated by Amberle Dickson, Daniela Iannucci, Laura Cookson and Stacy Gibson

Date: 26/02/09

What is it about? Colours. And expect to see a lot of them, as the artists are expressing themselves through excitement and fusions of colour swirling in all elective galleries.

What’s Interesting? If you like the colours of the dirt spectrum, i.e. just the greys and browns, you are going to be either disappointed or have your eyes in wincing pain after a few minutes of browsing each piece. And I like how Amberle Dickson hung a few pieces that look like a pair of stylish designed handbags, which gave me a chuckle or two. And I really like Stacy Gibson’s circular piece, where it looks like a star has been born in the universe and Daniela Iannucci’s floor piece had a great layout on putting a painting piece of printed shoe prints on – it feels like I want to walk on that!

What’s Not So Interesting? Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending if you are a colour blinded person), I didn’t have my camera, due to some technical difficulties, i.e. dead battery that needs recharging. Strangely, I felt strangely ill, whenever I look at Stacy Gibson’s works and Iannucci’s acid-trip pieces. And I was a bit distracted, when the tag positioning was ill-placed below the works itself.

Overall? Very beautiful and colourful exhibition, only slightly let-down on getting the tag-labelling work well. Just don’t get your eyes very close to them.