Baltic Gallery Visit

I recently visited the Baltic gallery in Gateshead where I looked at work by Monica Bonvicini and Amanda Beech. Monica Bonvicini's work used a variety of different materials. Using fluorescent lights, and other found objects she created work that reacted to the space it was in and gave new meaning to the objects she used. The largest piece, and the only one to involve the human figure ('Legs Cut Out' 2016), is a monumental collage of images of human legs, layered on top of each other. When viewed from a distance the legs converge and blend into each other, creating what looks like an abstract image with varying colour and layers, which when viewed up close offers tremendous detail. Prompting me to think about how I can incorporate the studio space I am working in when showing my work and how I can use scale to an advantage by incorporating more detail.

Amanda Beech’s abstract copper plate etchings I also found very interesting. As well as being interested in the unusual materials used, I was also interested in use of small scale. Pulling the viewer into her work, something I could think about when creating more portrait work.