Arcelor Mittal Orbit, Olympic Park, London

Untitled ,Concrete Coils, Gladstone Gallery New York

Anish Kapoor's current exhibition at the Gladstone Gallery, New York comprises of a-typical conglomerate coils of concrete the appears to melt towards the earth. Kapoor explores the objects changing and transient materiality and observes it's natural movements and connection. I am currently attempting to make some sort of connection  between these works and his Arcelor Mittal Orbit in the Olympic park. The Orbits convoluted structure and twisting geodesic character may in a way be applicable to question the organic and inorganic quality here of steel of which 60% of it was recycled. It may be advisable to visit both these works before passing further judgement, yet there is a hugely contrasting dialogue held between these two contemporary works made by the same artist.  

The Banff Centre: Artist Residency

The Banff centre in B.C. Canada offers many visual arts programs that are both thematic and experimental. Following on from a tutorial with Kim Pace I have done some research regarding their art residencies. The art residencies offered are categorized into seasons as the climate it is a prevailing factor. Those applying for this program must have an exhibition record with formal and possibly post-graduate  study in the visual arts.

It is strange that so much experience is needed in a place so isolated and remote yet I understand that a standard must be reflected in possible candidates that will present the Banff centre well. It may be advisable to pursue less affiliated residencies in the surrounding area first to gain a knowledge in discovering a practice away from major metropolitan centres.

In saying this however there is much offered in terms of amenities and hospitality.  Rooms with mountain vista's, large fireplaces in common rooms, 350 seater dining halls all incur expensive surcharges and fee's. The want of comfort in such a remote area could be luxurious yet also carry negative connotation's with regards to the chosen art practice followed in such a place.  Obviously I would like partake in such a residency but would need more experience, skills and strong commitments to follow through.

German artist Cornelia Konrads uses steel poles, rope and branches to presents an ethereal emancipation from the clutches of gravity. The site-specific installation in a forest clearing in Osnabrück, Germany presents the audience with a pseudo-reality in which the Gateway also the title of work appears to emerge from the forest floor. In it's construction this effect is acquired through a subtle interweaving of very different materials that culminates in-corporeal perspectives. A strong narrative of the works is in it's appropriative reference to folklore and magic yet its realization is through a harnessing of the immediate natural surroundings and found materials.