Tumtumism Contents p.2 About Definition p.3 Logo The Bug Future Projects p.4 Who? Contact
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Tumtumism About Tu M' Tu M' strives to re-establish the importance of skills and knowledge in the production of heart felt art, re-strengthening the value and meaning of the artist in society. Tumtumism believes artists of every form should not only be proficiently equipped with a diverse range of skills and techniques, but with a rounded knowledge and understanding of their purpose in relation to the universality of life, humanity, and nature.
Definition The name Tu M' Tu M' originates from Marcel Duchamp's 1918 painting (above) “Tu m'”: a French expression where the verb is missing, therefore creating the ambiguous phrase 'You [blank] me'. The [blank] could be mean almost anything. The painting was the final canvas Duchamp he ever produced, he openly detested painting at the time and to him the painting was about the end of painting. Although it was a commission, Duchamp embodied his thoughts and attitudes through a mixture of paint and real objects to create a vividly abstract piece. It is not known if Duchamp had a specific verb in mind, but one possible reading of the title has been “tu m’ennuies” meaning “you bore me”. This ambiguity allows the viewer to assign their own meaning/name to the piece. All that is implied is a dialogue between 2 individuals, where one is stating an affect that the other has upon them. This places the individual at the centre from where he can acknowledge his relationship to the people and world around him, thus allowing a great opportunity for great openness and expression of personal truth. If to Duchamp Tu m' was about the end of painting, then to Tu M' Tu M' it means the end of juvenility within art. Tumtumism strives toward the end of unskilled laymen being heralded as 'modern masters'; the end of a disconnect between art and the people; the end of gimmickry and disposable ideas; and the end of art as a business investment. It is to modern art that we now say “tu m’ennuies”, as we direct ourselves toward experimentation from atop the foundation of well rounded artistic knowledge in the pursuit of the highest expression and interaction with joy and life.
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Tumtumism Logo The Tu M' Tu M' logo is simply two individuals leaping towards one another and bouncing their bellies in joy, full of vim and life. Tu M' Tu M' doesn't want artists to be introverted, morose or producing pretentious and lofty work, but to engage with one another, exploring new opportunities, collaborations and interplays between traditional and modern values. They are the 'you' and 'me' of Tu M', the past and the future, the known and the unknown, experience and experimentation, both sides of dualism interacting in joyful play with one another.
The Bug 'The Bug' is a planned series of 6 books written by members of Tu M' Tu M' which focus on various aspects of artistic practice and understanding through a series of articles, drawings, poetry and prose. 'Volume One' lays the foundations for Tumtumism, exploring subjects and themes of a traditional nature which we believe all artists should be aware of, especially the need for arts to be rooted in nature. Across all 6 Volumes, subjects shall begin to explore increasingly more contemporary themes and concepts as the two polar and disjunct worlds of traditional and modern art are analysed and brought together. 'The Bug' is the first publication from Tu M' Tu M' and is an artwork in its own right, as it contains original drawings, prose and poetry specifically produced for its purpose. It is also a work in progress and we welcome others to submit ideas, articles and poetry for possible inclusion in future volumes.
Future Projects Tu M' Tu M' has many ideas for the future, including; regular talks, debates, meetings and gatherings around the country to discuss artistic values; exhibition visits to discuss contemporary works; live stage performances involving art, poetry and theatre; and more publications in a variety of formats and media. All these work along side the production of original artworks (the main objective of Tu M' Tu M'), which will be exhibited around the UK and Europe. 3
Tumtumism Who? Tu M' Tu M' is founded by members Terance McGunigle and Joseph Forrest. Although both are predominately self-taught artists, they hold a wealth of experience and an impressive lineage. For four years at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Terry studied under Luigi Falai, a student of famous portraitist Pietro Annigoni. Then in 2000 Terry took over Herbert Tyson Smith's former studio in Liverpool's Bluecoat Chambers, where some of Smith's own students still worked. Here, Terry founded 'The Merseyside Forum for Sculpture, Painting and Allied Crafts'. In late 2003, Joe became an employee of The Merseyside Forum and studied under Terry until founding his own business Forrest Fine Arts with his brother in 2008. Tu M' Tu M' is the embodiment of ideas and principles evolved through their collective knowledge and experiences. The importance of proper skill and technique is deep at the heart of both Terry and Joe, whilst the need for it is increasingly self evident in every aspect of society; from within the art world itself to architecture, industry, education and more. Tu M' Tu M' is a growing band of like minded individuals open to discussion and interaction, we welcome new members from across the arts who are diligent and honest in their pursuit of artistic expression.
Contact Email: tumtumism@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.tumtum.org.uk Twitter: @tumtumism
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