Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
University of Northampton
Rhythm / Presence
Since 2008 Paul Cureton & Craig Staff have been researching the multiple uses and applications of drawing beyond the fine art profession. Seeing drawing fundamentally as a critical device for communication, Rhythm / Presence continued this work. The show looked at working drawings from architects, civil engineers to dance choreographers. Work varied from super-large infrastructure, to notation mapping and body movement in paper and digital form. This exhibition builds upon two previous shows; The 43 Uses of Drawing (2011) and Without The Walls Which Do Not Last (2008). These exhibitions were developed within a context of previous exhibitions which have attempted to locate these very co-ordinates such as Centre Pompidou-Metz, Lines: A Brief History (2013), MOMA’s Drawn for Life (2011) and Kettles Yard, Lines of Enquiry: Thinking Through Drawing (2006). These shows, however, whilst demonstrating the currency of drawing, have not employed such breadth in their curatorial remit, rarely reaching beyond the discipline of Fine Art in their choice of contributors.
The Rhythm/ Presence exhibition explored both temporality and presence in drawing and rhythm of drawing – movement in time. The show through this juxtaposition of sources explored ideas of notating, inhabiting and constructing space. Selection of interntaional contriutors in each respective field ensured a rigorus comparitive brief. Two specific artist commissions for Sioned Huws and Charlotte Spencer developed this enquiry. These activities were translated to educational workshops at various levels and materials were provided to intergrate within the school / college curriculum. Rhythm / Presence fused drawing research with educational developments. My role was co-curating, writing educational content, promotion and co-workshop delivery.
These materials have been viewed 63,908 on the Times Educational Supplement. The exhibition website generated 4,681 visitors and 1,252 people visited the exhibition.