TIME - cardboard and vinyl

Time has emerged as a key theme within my Ph.D. research, you can read more about my Ph.D. research here: Abbie Cairns - Norwich University of the Arts (nua.ac.uk)

Due to this the word has seeped into my art practice. Time felt large and logic dictated that I made it - literally -  large, to show its importance and unwieldiness. 

The work uses cardboard and vinyl to create large-scale letters in my usual, ACcomplete4 font (the typeface I use within all of my text-based artwork). I wanted to use a martial that was lightweight and easily moved, but I also wanted to draw upon the traditional text by having the letters black. The thought is that these could then sit against a white gallery wall and has a visual similar to biro on paper or typed text on a word document. 

I am not sure where time will go, but it now exists. 

University of Suffolk - Mental Health Awareness Week Exhibition

I recently blogged about the development of 'I'm fine', a three-piece text art-based artwork. This work was created for the University of Suffolk - Mental Health Awareness Week Exhibition, which took place the week of 09/05/22. 

Exhibition Documentation

Photo Credit: Hannah Aria

The wall-based installation of this work adds to its context. The work feels small, surrounded by white wall, it draws on the feeling of being 'fine'. 

fine - part four

This text-based tryptic comments on the phrase 'I'm fine' and what it really means. Often used as a response to the question of how are you, what does it mean to be 'fine'? The work offers two meanings, the first, is neat, and the second is more chaotic. It is down to the reader to decide which is most fitting.

The worn wood feels appropriate and echos the sentiment of 'fine', it could be better but it works. It suggests a history that we are not privy to. 

Borders Exhibition - Ipswich Art Gallery

 The Borders exhibition is open until 19th June, catch it if you can! Keep scrolling to see images of my piece COL | IPS.

Exhibition Documentation 

Group exhibitions are always a great experience and allow you to experience your artwork in dialogue with others. You also get to see how a curator decides to install your work. 

I had initially imagined the work on a pile, on the floor. However, the use of the plinth positions the work as an art piece. Seeing the work like this, I am particularly pleased with how vibrant the orange is, and how clear the letters are. The work is easily read up close or far away. 

The use of capital letters feels like the right choice, which adds to its readability. An essential aspect of text art. 

I enjoy the juxtaposition between the gallery space and the DIY nature of the work. 

fine - part three

Layout. Three wooden boards. Two words.

I am not sure why I am so keen on using all three wooden boards, but I feel committed to them. One wooden board didn't feel impactful enough. 

The below image shows my initial thoughts about the layout. The top wood board will read 'I'm fine' and will be written neatly. The bottom two will each take a word, 'I'm' and 'fine' each. These will be spaced out and messier. 

The thought process behind this is that they will represent layers of thinking and meaning. The surface layer, the answer to the question 'how are you?' and the hidden layer, maybe more truthful. The cracks showing.

The outcome needs to be clean and simple.