Briana McCarthy
Unit 3 Exhibition
For the exhibition in July, I propose a “corner of grief curiosities”. This would be an arrangement of pieces that I have and haven’t shown, placed close together creating a smaller, intimate space within the larger confines of the shared exhibition space. I enjoy the conversation between my pieces as they are clustered in my studio space and wish to recreate that, but with new work and the added plinth so people can enter the space instead of walking the perimeter. I estimate taking up around 2 - 3 square meters, depending on the aisle size around the plinth. Considering that my work represents different aspects and experiences of grief, I think gathering many works close together is reflective of how those feelings are compacted within a person. Also, as I've explored these individual facets, gathering those pieces together for a more complete representation for the final degree show feels important.
The completed works I am considering including are shown below. I would also like to include some works that are currently in process: 3 of the stained glass necklaces, a painting, and a glass chain, seen positioned on the plinth in the diagram. I am considering a total of 8 works.
Rough idea of work placement, though the plinth would need to be shifted to allow for enough walking space between it and Infestation.
My studio space
How Monstrous If I Healed, 2024, acrylic on wood, 5 1/2 x 5 5/8 x 1/2 inch
Infestation, 2024, acrylic on wood with air dry foam clay and metal chain, 32 x 13 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch
Soft and Savage, 2024, cotton cord and wire, 13 1/2 x 12 x 6 inch
This is the base for my next painting. It is less than a meter tall.
Glass necklace in progress
Glass necklace in progress
Glass necklace in progress
This is the first chain section I have experimented with. I am currently working on fashioning chain links that are hollow: more volume and more fragile.
Research Festival
I would like to use the Research Festival as an opportunity to share my poetry with the creation of a book. The poetry has become very important within my practice but I have yet to work out the best way to present it within my work. Presenting it in its own space, away from the visual work, will let it speak for itself.
I am considering building the book out of glass, tying in with my most recent works, the stained glass necklaces; a heavy, fragile book filled with heavy, fragile words. I’m still considering the size of the book and it may actually end up quite small so it doesn’t feel too loud or ostentatious.
Alongside the book, I am interested in creating postcards or smaller publications that visitors can take with them. This would allow my work to be carried out into the world by others and provides the opportunity for connections beyond exhibition and the research festival, as I will include my social media contact information on the publication and possibly my web address.
I have considered live poetry reading as well, but I am not fully comfortable with that prospect at present. As an alternative, I may record myself reading my poetry and it can be played through the space at different times of the day.