"am
i having an aesthetic experience yet?" is an extension of
one of a series of works that explore the relationships between
art institutions, the art market, galleries, artists, the punters,
viewers, you and I. This work initially asks questions about some
of the conditions that are set up in the galleries to make a work
of art 'aesthetically beautiful' 'tasteful' 'unique' and 'culturally
significant.
In this installation two of many artifices are looked at. The
ambience created by expensive lighting and pristine walls, plays
its part in a whole pedagogic system that prepares our 'aesthetic
experience', our reception of 'the work of art.' One of a number
of significant questions to ask is, can you or I have an aesthetic
experience? 'outside this powerful system'. The words "am i having
an aesthetic experience yet? are printed letter by letter on each
acetate sheet in a fine outline script.
The lighting set up to illuminate the surface, confounds any ability
to read the text as a whole.
The viewer must constantly reposition themselves to attempt to
read the work.
Brine
Gallery being there catalogue
I n the context of this exhibition, I am asking you to look at
"am i having an aesthetic experience yet?" further. The
yet was added to the original work to mark, in a very real sense,
my and other disabled peoples enforced 'absence' from the Brine
Gallery.
When a disabled body is unable to access space made only for the
abler, a sense of alienation is inevitable. Lack of access into
galleries forums, workspaces and theatres sets artificial limits
for 'the disabled' and affirms their marginal status, within the
community, culture and arts.
While you may or may not have your 'aesthetic experience' at this
cultural event, most 'disabled' people are excluded, from asking
questions like I have just raised, about art, the most simple
ones in fact, such as, am i having an aesthetic experience yet?
because they just cant get in the door.
During the opening, I will be down stairs while you are up in
the gallery.
I will be asking you and others to use the Polaroid camera's provided,
to share your experiences of 'being there' with me, by photographing
any work or number of works that you might wish to show and discuss
with me.
I sincerely hope you enjoy the show.
.
