Tutorial 1

Tutor: Jonathan Kearney

30th October 2018 at 4 p.m.

Issues discussed:

Initial progress and direction of project and experimentation.

Jonathan asked a lot of probing questions and used the Socratic approach to establish a good grasp of what was my line of questioning.  We soon developed a good working rapport and his supportive commentary allowed me to open up and reflect on and isolate the essence of what I was trying to communicate.  It soon become very apparent that my explorations were broad-ranging.  I was also prepared to look for alternatives and discuss them through painting, photography and film, while taking risks and trying to develop a deeper understanding of my creative intentions.  My current focus, however, remains on refining my concepts through broad-ranging contextualisation and extended critical analysis.

” Remain opened.  MA should give you a chance to explore other pathways at the end of the course”

Jonathan Kearney

It had also become clear that I had no idea as to where my research journey was taking me and what were my expectations regarding the shape and form of the final visual proposal.  The emphasis was solely placed on the development of ideas and alternatives through prolific production of work and supported by a dialogue of contradictory perspectives.

Jonathan’s skills in direct questioning of my thought processes had led to a deeper reflection on the essence of my work and helped to draw plans for introducing meaningful quality improvements.  It was suggested that I should look at the work of Justin Mortimer, especially one of his pieces titled  “Resort”,oil on canvas, 181 x 220 cm, 2012

We have discussed the juxtaposition of the contradictory subject matters.  This ambiguity creates a powerful line of questioning,  builds curiosity and remains opened to interpretation.  Jonathan has also explained Mortimer’s multi-stage process of transformation between digital manipulations and the painterly execution.

I was very inspired by the work and decided to direct my further explorations towards looking at possibilities of visualisation in this new space for me, which is created somewhere between digital (non-physical) and the physical act of painting.

The tutorial has helped me to develop a greater understanding of my thought processes and overall research intentions.  My focus remains to be on “my own response” to poverty.  Its function is not documentary.  It is intended to be more of a self-diagnosis and reflection on my own priorities and hierarchies of needs.

“Focus of self is legitimate”.

Jonathan Kearney

 

Final thoughts:

“Time” as a concept remains vitally important in my research and exploration.

What is the point of this?

What is for?

Who is it for?

What do I want?

What do I need?

What do I have?