Midterm Project Proposal: Art Intervention
Artwork Inspiration
The artwork I chose last week was Frank Bowling’s “Greenacross I”. I was drawn to how Bowling uses layers of color, motion, and abstraction to express emotion and identity. My Tumblr/blog idea focused on artists of color reclaiming visibility and space in the art world, which connects directly to the idea of curatorial activism and how artists create new ways to be seen.
Idea 1: Shadow Stories (Main Project Idea)
Concept:
For my midterm, I want to create a wall installation made of black cut-out silhouettes arranged in a way that suggests movement inspired by animation. The idea came from the image of the mice climbing along a wall, but I’ll design human-like silhouettes instead, showing figures climbing, lifting, and connecting with one another.
Even though the figures are still, their poses will suggest animation like a frozen moment in motion. This connects to my background as an animator, translating movement into a static physical form.
Message:
The artwork represents community, resilience, and visibility, especially for underrepresented people in art and media. It connects to curatorial activism by giving form to those often unseen. Like Bowling’s abstract layers, my silhouettes will symbolize how different people come together to create something bigger and more vibrant.
Audience Interaction:
The installation will be placed along a wall or around a corner so that viewers can walk beside it. Visually placing them inside the artwork and symbolizing how we all play a role in shaping collective stories.
Medium:
Black vinyl or thick paper cutouts, wall adhesive.
Idea 2: The Joy Archive (Optional Second Idea)
A small zine celebrating artists of color who use joy and creativity as forms of resistance. Each page could feature a short animation still or illustration and a QR code linking to a looping animation clip. This connects to curatorial activism by highlighting artists often excluded from traditional spaces.
Idea 3: Layers of Us (Optional Third Idea)
A mixed-media piece made of transparent acrylic sheets painted with colors and stills from my animations, inspired by Bowling’s layered techniques. The layered panels would change visually depending on where the viewer stands representing perspective and identity.
Quotes: Responses
From Towards a Curatorial Activism by Dr. Maura Reilly
“Curatorial activism is about working against the systematic exclusion of women, artists of color, non-Western artists, and queer artists from the art world.”
Response:
This connects to my piece because I want to highlight the people who are often left out of mainstream art spaces. My wall installation becomes a way to bring those invisible figures to light literally and symbolically.
“Exhibitions can be sites of resistance, capable of producing political consciousness through visual means.”
Response:
I like this idea because it shows that art doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. My silhouettes can make people think through their simplicity and movement, using visuals to express strength and connection.
From What is Curatorial Activism? by Dr. Maura Reilly
“The role of the curator today must go beyond simply selecting and displaying art; it must challenge dominant narratives and power structures.”
Response:
This inspired me to think of my installation as both an artwork and a curatorial act positioning underrepresented bodies and stories in a space where they’re seen and celebrated.
“Curatorial activism is about care caring enough to correct historical imbalances.”
Response:
That really resonated with me. I want my work to reflect care not just through aesthetics, but through purpose. It’s about honoring and uplifting stories that deserve more attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment