gay_place

- explores the use of commercial products used for physical transformation
- pieces that are fragile and transient
- identity/gender/sexuality
- transforms ideas when thinking ab the body
- materials that articulate intimacy
- lived experience
- tongue and cheek sense of humour

My Thoughts:

As I was making this page, I realised the excessive quality to my notes, which I thought was interesting and reflected how much I took an interest in Gay Place's work.

From the subjects of her work (tattoos, exploration into the double entendre of her name or other words, the names all relating to 'iconic' songs) to the materials she uses (makeup, commercially found pieces e.g. the ceramic mugs, transfer tattoos and how they allow the viewer to interact with the piece).

I also took inspiration from the mixture of work included in the exhibition; how Place has taken inspiration from her life experiences but also culture and commercial products. I think this gives her work a very personal and domestic feel. I also have taken inspiration from the way she allows the viewers to interact with her work (e.g. the lipstick and the transfer tattoos), as opposed to the usual nature of art where you cannot touch it from fear of damaging or hindering the work.

Another notable thing about her talk is that she mentioned that some of her works are iterations of previous ones, or that some are even still in progress. This taught me to be okay with not liking a finished product right away, or even ever, because you can always try again.

born to be alive
- on the floor 2x1.6x0.45
- perfumed scent of cosmetics
- lipstick transferred onto curious hands
- lights underneath to give an illusion of hovering

you make me feel
- walk hanging 1.5x0.75x0.15
- two pillow cases
when viewed together you see a bed

take a walk on the wild side
- attempt to organise research bibliography
- significant books relating to personal practise
- pink wig at head height; obscures the viewer, looking over somebody’s shoulder
- other personal items above and below
- BODY of work
- viewer had to work out who the character might be
- cosmetic and material modifications

young hearts run free
- name or word gay in heart
- lipstain and black eyeliner
- paper similar to skin
- dimensions related to arms
- loved ones name being tattooed or announcement of sexuality

oh you pretty things
- iteration of previous piece of work
- cosmetic powder
- humour
- materials soften the hurt of the phrase ‘puff’

shake it off
- powdered pigments and cosmetics
- material language located in sensuality
- transforms
- concerns ab gender and appearance
- women judged by narrow social standards

better the devil you know
- glasses and hair tie could be read as a portrait
- false eyelashes and lipstick
- roles ideal woman must take in society
- allows investigation into female aesthetic

express yourself
- graffiti style
- gift after changing name
- bold
- meaning lighthearted and carefree

i’m so excited
- commercially available ceramic mugs + eyelashes + anal plug with tail
- how little suggestion a body needs to become apparent

bad romance
- objectification of women by men (and vice versa)
- lipstick coated shirt collar

+ all the lovers
+ don’t go breaking my heart

got to be real
- tattoo of young hearts run free
- name has been inserted under someone’s skin
- reinterpretation
- where and to whom art belongs

a little respect
- transfer tattoos ^
- washroom dispenser- generic found in bars and nightclubs that dispense toiletries eg tampons and condoms
- many visitors are keen to buy the transfers
- water and cotton wool available if want to be used immediately

don’t leave me this way
- white kitchen chair almost insignificant in white space
- object is floating above the surface of the seat
- 3d print of a form based on her silhouette that is used in more of her work

relax
- chair with powder printed with her bottom

2 chairs create a conversational narrative

i’m every womxn
- group of prints of the silhouette form
- shimmering glittery pigment
- text based on the commercial selling of pigments