Mind the Gaps

Abstract

The direct lens of a prose text might not be the most effective way to do justice to the multiple dimensions of any art practice. Inevitably, the attempt to create a coherent story will necessitate, consciously or not, the adoption of a narrowed viewpoint. Yet declarations of unknowability, like this one, can read as excuses for avoiding the work of reflection. In this thesis, I have nevertheless taken the risk of acknowledging and proceeding from a position of unknowing regarding my practice, taking into account as many aspects of it as I can without rushing to conclusions. I have, as a result, discovered various mysterious gaps within my themes, methods, and resulting works, which I believe to be sources of the life and productive power of my practice. In particular, the works which I discuss in this thesis have in common a copious use of empty space which I contend to be substantial sources of meaning. I close by reflecting on my newest work, my MA solo show, beginning again from an unknowing perspective to explore its aspects and consider how they might (or might not) accord with what has gone before.