the exhibition concept: No Strings Attached
My exhibition plan is an extension of the short-term trend forecast, No Strings Attached. The colour yellow has heavily influenced this trend, and this will still be the case for the exhibition. The term “no strings” itself translates a carefree existence, both content and simplistic. Where “major depression is thought to be the second leading cause of disability worldwide” (Mental Health Foundation, 2013), the importance of wellbeing, both in the mental and physical sense, is increasingly relevant. The trend has evolved therefore in this pursuit of positivity, and the use of colour in the exhibition will be a significant translator of this. “Technology has created inescapable levels of connectivity” (Mintel, 2016) and has contributed to an extent to the rise of mental illness amongst millennials, the exhibition space will therefore have limited technological influences. The aim is to create a sense of togetherness, where people can connect physically and not via an app on their phone.
Influences X Holi Festival X Anish Kapoor X Wellbeing
“Man needs colour to live; it’s just as necessary an element as fire and water.” - Fernand Leger
Fig.2
Fig.1
Fig.3
overview
I intend to hold the exhibition in a clear perspex box, roughly 6 metres by 6 metres in size. The transparency will truly display the variations of colour of the powder paint. Every individual that enters the pod will be therefore encouraged to throw the powder against the wall, at someone else, or at whatever they feel like.
sight
Incorporated into the room will be a white desk in the centre, and this is a where a projection of the fashion film will roll on loop. The film is a continuation of the thematics of the exhibition and the idea of balance is again heavily prevalent. The film however contrasts nature with the urban, to portray happiness from all angles and outlets. The overarching message is to get outside and off the LED screen.
A major inspiration behind the exhibition is Holi Festival. Holi is a Hindu spring Festival, also known as the festival of colours or festival of love. This tends to be a two-day affair, and consists of chasing people around throwing handfuls of coloured powder in the process. The idea that colour and love are interchangeable terms is fitting with the ideas behind No Strings Attached, and together they compliment each other. Building on this, I have also taken influence from the work of Anish Kapoor and his use of primary coloured powder in his pieces. The exhibition I am creating essentially will be a scaled down Holi Festival.
scent
I plan to infuse the powders with different spices, paprika, turmeric and cardamom, to introduce the sense of smell and into the space. The exhibition will be an experience in all senses, and vibrant in not just colour, but also in smell and taste.
sound
Disconnected to the film, a compilation of feel-good songs will be contrasted against sounds that are associated with happiness, such as coffee brewing, crashing waves and the padding of feet during a run.
Fig. 5 Fig.4
touch
On the desk is where the all the various coloured powders will sit in dishes. The desk will also house a yellow filing cabinet underneath, and with each drawer a placard and polaroid will be revealed, each listing “5 good things” that makes the individual on the polaroid happy. Although this trend forecast has been designed with the millennial market in mind, I want to include people of a range of ages in this part, to further enhance feelings of togetherness.
taste
To cover all of the senses, sunshine shots will also sit on the desktop surface, which will be a smoothie mix of tropical fruits with a hit of turmeric.
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the key elements:
Fig.7
1. The exhibition will be housed in a clear perspex box. 2. A projection of the fashion film will play upon the central wall. 3. A white desk will greet visitors into the space. 4. Warming and tropical smoothie shots will be on offer to remind each
visitor of sunnier climes. 5. Dishes of coloured spices and powders will be placed upon the desk. 6. Each drawer from a yellow filing cabinet will reveal a polaroid and piece of card. The card will read “5 Good Things” and will be just that, 5 “feel good” things that the person on the polaroid enjoys. 7. The exhibition space overall will be symmetrical, to promote a sense of balance that is simultaneous with wellbeing.
The intention behind the exhibition is to promote wellbeing, I have therefore incorporated factors to hopefully make each visitor walk out lighter, happier, and feel like they have contributed to the space, in their own colourful way.
References
Léger, F. 5 Quotes to Celebrate Fernand Léger’s Birthday. Retrieved from https://news.artnet.com/art-world/fernand-leger-birthday-846971. Mental Health Foundation. (2013). Mental health statistics: UK and worldwide. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-uk-and-worldwide. Mintel Academic . (2016). Camping and Caravanning. Retrieved from http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk/display/770633/?highlight.
Image List
Fig.1 Tomorrowland. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://vodka-auf-ex.tumblr.com/post/58253107367/tomorrowland-tumblr-auf-we-heart-it. Fig.2 Kapoor, A. (1981). 1000 names. [Sculpture]. Retrieved from http://anishkapoor.com/429/1000-names-8. Fig.3 Kapoor, A. (1981). As if to Celebrate, I Discovered a Mountain Blooming with Red Flowers. [Sculpture]. , retrieved from http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/kapoor-as-if-to-celebrate-i-discovered-a-mountain-blooming-with-red-flowers-t03675. Fig.4 Ryan, C. (2017). Exhibition sketch. [Photograph]. Retrieved from personal collection. Fig.5 Ryan, C. (2017). Coloured cabinets. [Photograph]. Retrieved from personal collection. Fig.6 Ryan, C. (2017). Spices. [Photograph]. Retrieved from personal collection. Fig.7 Untitled image of polaroids. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/uo_diy_decorating_with_instax?cm_re=Blog_Content-_-B13-_-uo_diy_decorat-