I should really try to write more often. I am after all, treating this as a report of the collaboration between the Norwegian group and ours, which will be handed in, like an assignment, at the end of our project.
Hanging the exhibition at Metal took more time than anticipated. There were a few problems with the installation of Jet’s work that shouldn’t have happened. I’d misunderstood ‘Would I make a post box’ for him, as literally making a post box . Luckily, I hadn’t put a huge amount of effort into it ( which is a really terrible admission – but my concerns were with my own work!) I’d taken a box, cut a letter sized slit in it, and painted it red.
Fortunately, I sent Jet an image before it was hung in the gallery!! He wasn’t happy. He wanted the type of post box some people have outside their houses. I explained that I didn’t have one and really didn’t know anyone else who did. Don’t think he could fathom that one out. He sent an image he’d found on EBay. but even with bidding for it there and then, it wouldn’t arrived in time.
It was a case of going out and buying one. … Damn!! It was just a stupid miscommunication brought about by following instructions by an occasional email and not in person. It did again though highlight cultural differences.
The exhibition looked good – we were pleased with it. The collaborations joined together without too many seams showing. As well as other works, I’d made a poster representing a holiday destination guide to complement Jet’s postcards. they worked together well.
While dealing with the installation at Metal, we seized the opportunity to take part in a 3 day music and arts festival in Liverpool : http://thresholdfestival.co.uk/
I wanted to see if I could create an exhibition out of works that had been posted to me. This gave me an idea of involving more members of the Norwegian group to encourage a crossover of ideas for future plans. As it was only for 3 days and I had to hang the exhibition myself, I couldn’t promise too much. Three students from the nearby Tromso Academy got back to me with their interest. I must point out now that their command of the English language is amazing. I feel totally ashamed that its now only a month till we go across and meet them and I have still only picked up a few words!!l
All three worked in a similar manner – as you often find with people studying together, but they show a strength and maturity which should bode well in this exhibition.
I’ve taken Wednesday off to hang it all.
