Critical Focus: Study of an Arts Centre
Following Dr Yiota Vassilopoulou's successful tenure as Bluecoat's Philosopher in Residence, the scheme continued with Dr Paul Jones taking up the role of Sociologist in Residence throughout 2018. My PhD project evolved from the relationship between the University and Bluecoat, and has benefitted from being jointly supervised in the Philosophy Department (Dr Vassilopoulou) and Sociology Department (Dr Jones) along with Bluecoat's artistic director Bryan Biggs.
This interdisciplinary approach is grounded in empirical research into art-in-action, and I look closely at the various claims and values sustained by the Bluecoat's diverse site. In so doing, I have followed the exhibition 'In the Peaceful Dome' over the course of a year. This has taken me from artist studios, to lenders collections, to following an Epstein as it sped down the M62 en route from Manchester. Most crucially, I was given access to the installation period which provided a 'backstage view' of the various knowledges and work that maintain the site.
With the support and encouragement of my supervisors, I approached the installation from a within a filmmaking practice. Over a few months last year, I worked with the footage to create a film which, I hope, captures something of my experience of the install, as well as the objects, buildings and people that interacted to make 'In the Peaceful Dome' happen.
The film is being screened by Bluecoat in an event on March 26th. The evening will involve screening the 15 minute film, as well as a talk on this field of research. It will leave room for discussion about how art spaces come to be, which will benefit from the perspective of different disciplines, as well as alternative ways (such as filmmaking) for academic research to proceed.
by Laura Harris
'Critical Focus: Study of an Arts Centre' is on March 26th 2018, 6.30pm, at Bluecoat. The event is free, but booking is advised: http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/events/view/events/3821