On Tuesday 18th February, the class had a seminar with Xavier and Fergus. The focus of the seminar was:
- Writing and Managing Proposals
- Artist Statements
- Contexts
- References
- Resources
- Planning
- Time Management
During the seminar, the class discussed various strategies for writing and managing formal written proposals, and how to present clear, in-depth and focused proposals that support, promote, and clarify photographic work for both myself and others.
The class considered questions such as:
- What is the function of a proposal and an artist statement?
- What is my specific idea, and how can I express it clearly?
- What is fundamental/central to my project and how can I emphasise this?
- What is the context of my work – specifically within the field of photography (both historical and contemporary), as well as within other fields?
- What are my references (visual, conceptual and/or otherwise)?
- How can I plan and manage my time effectively to serve both the intellectual and the creative process?
- What makes a good artist statement?
The following is an outline of the presented considerations for my reference:
Proposals
- Outline intentions
- Describe wider concerns
- Focus thinking
- Assist initiating work
Artist Statements
- Introduce practice
- Articulate concerns, motivations, processes
- Support interpretation by others
- Can be adapted and used for various applications/opportunities
- Enhance ongoing reflection
- Acknowledge development
Volume
- Purpose
- Adaptation and expansion
- Draw upon tutorial notes and discussions with peers
Qualities
- Accuracy
- Clarity
- Focus
- Objectivity
Content
- Media and materials
- Rationale
- Working Processes
- Ideas, themes, concerns
- Influences
- Aims
Case Studies
The class also looked at and discussed the following websites:
http://www.eleonoraagostini.com/about
http://www.estherteichmann.com/biography
https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/about/statement/
Seminar Task
The seminar task was to find an artist statement, exhibition press release or photographer’s proposal and prepare a short, informal, 5 to 10-minute presentation (for discussion purposes) that considered the clarity, effectiveness and supportive role of this text, specifically in relation to the work at hand.
This was my presentation. I had recently visited the Dora Maar exhibition at Tate Modern. This was, in my opinion, a very strong example of a clear and effective exhibition description.
Jennie Meadows MA Photography 