Map out the ideas of a critical review to explore in depth, some of the ideas or themes that have had an impact on your work during the course.

Sketchbook 1. Pages 36 – 37

During the process of thinking through the structure for the parallel project, ideas that had resonated with my artwork began to shape my critical review – the notion of identity or a connection with objects that hold a trace of past significance. There are clearly two elements to this developing idea, and yet I am unsure if they bare significance to one another.

During Part 2 – Contemporary approaches to still life, I referenced objects that I had used on my travels in Asia and East Africa. Colours, textures, smells and the physical handling of objects held memories. In the same way that temporal parts of life have an intrinsic value, there may also be a psychological value acquired through knowledge and experience. The fact that I still had these objects suggests that they held some personal significance.

The second part to this was to consider how this might be conveyed through my artwork. A physical act; movement and mobility such as the artists Rebecca Horn or Tony Orrico. Using the body or body parts, such as Yves Klein or Jenny Saville, or the body as the canvas akin to Antony Gormley. Questions I hope to explore further.

As I continue to explore these areas in greater depth, my initial mid-mapping can be viewed below.

Aristotle argued that one of the most important functions of art was to evoke emotions in its audience, is this still pertinent in art movements in a post Abstarct Expressionism era? Does art need to communicate or evoke emotions with its audience?

Skechbook 2. Pages 61-62

Narrowing down ideas for this essay was a real challenge. My parallel project was centred on – Absence of Presence, a reflection of my own travels and working away from home for long periods. This concept expanded as I explored materiality and how material items could evoke memories and emotions with both artist and their audience.

My mind-map, come notes can been seen below.

Draft 1: Having collated my thoughts (and lots of words) on paper I now have a draft essay – of sorts.  At present it lacks academic value as it is not rigorously critical nor reflective of my own thoughts. As such I am currently establishing a structure that identifies the key points. Work in progress……

Format for structure