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Conversations in Painting: Neither/Nor

Research Rationale: The project: ‘Conversations in Painting’ was initiated in 2009, by Maggie Ayliffe and Dr. Alistair Payne, in order to open discourse around contemporary painting and examine or debate the challenges apparent within the medium today. The focus of this project was to establish discussion between artists (painters) and create a dialogue through which different although connected challenges could be discussed. This approach is evident within other media within fine art practice, but has rarely been approached through the medium of painting. The project initiators, Ayliffe and Payne were invited to curate the exhibition ‘Neither/Nor’ at The Liverpool Biennial after the success of two previous ventures, the first project entitled ‘Conversations in Painting’ was an exhibition held at The Chapman Gallery in Manchester (May 2009), in which the following artefacts were exhibited by Dr. Payne: ‘Slip’ (Painting, 2009), ‘Geyser’ (Film, 2009) and ‘Tentacular I’ (Installation, 2009). This exhibition was closely followed by an International Symposium on Contemporary Painting titled ‘Painting as a Material Practice’ held at The University of Wolverhampton (September 2009). Strategies Undertaken: ‘Conversations in Painting’ is an ongoing project that seeks to establish critical debate and discussion through the medium of painting. This includes exhibitions and symposia/conferences and brings together a wide range of contemporary painters in order to examine the key problematics evident (on an international level) within the medium or condition of painting now. This enables a greater understanding of the task of painting and aims to establish a critical ground upon which complex and at times under or even un-discussed issues can be highlighted and considered.