Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
Bournemouth University
Mediating the Public Spaces of Art
Originality
White’s research with O+I (formerly Artist Placement Group, from 2007-9) and Office of Experiments (Founded by White in 2004-) draws on the history of social engagement in art leading to research outputs in which public space and artistic practice are examined in the context of global regulations of media space and material logistics.
Rigour
In 1) White scrutinised Southwark’s byelaws in Peckham Square, London, which were interpreted for the public through the European Human Rights Act, by means of an artist publication and information kiosk in situ. Further public debate took place with DEMOS at Peckham Library. In 2) ‘Where is Heidenheim?’ working with Research Assistant Venkata Vermuri and Irish artist Tina O’ Connell, over 18 months, the project connected 30,000 German newspaper readers with a series of International local newspapers in a dialogue concerning local news. In 3) the 1x1project, research explored acts of remembrance following the Japan Tsunami and Fukushima Diaichi disaster the previous year. Part of Washington DC Centenary Celebrations of a gift of 1000 Cherry Trees by the Japanese Government, the research utilised a GIS enabled Drupal website, designed by White.
Significance
‘Limitations Permitted’ commissioned by University of the Arts, London with Southwark Council led to White being shortlisted by Tate Britain’s Dr Penelope Curtis for the Bildhauser (Sculpture) Symposium in Germany prior to final selection by an International jury. The Washington DC Arts and Humanities Commission 1) followed a two stage International call and selection process and utilised White’s work with Steve Rowell of the Center for Land Use Interpretation, who curated the work and facilitated field visits Feb 2012. It was supported in Washington DC by Transformer Gallery, Irish Embassy and Japanese Cultural Foundation. White and O’Connell have since completed further related research for TULCA Contemporary Arts Festival in Ireland (Nov 13).
