On Monday 23rd September the IB1 Visual Art students visited MAIIAM gallery to view the ‘Temporal Topography’ exhibition ( which runs until next March).
“Temporal topography takes form through the motif of the landscape, both conceptually and physically connecting a landscape, or ‘common ground’ shared between selected Southeast Asian artists working in the region, whilst also focusing on themes including geo-politics, socio-cultural landscapes, and artistic interpretation of topographical reality; Temporal Topography weaves and connects these layers. Works in the exhibition speak about territorialisation, urbanisation, conflicts and violence; also to state domination and resistance concerning specific historical events. These themes are explored alongside the interconnected relationship between place and identity; works exploring the nuances between the collective and individual.” http://www.maiiam.com/exhibition/temporal-topography-maiiams-new-acquisitions-from-2010-to-present/

The young artists from Prem were also greatly arrested and intrigued by the other exhibition on display of the work of Spanish artist Pilar Albarracín.
“ Born in Seville and working between her hometown and Madrid, Pilar Albarracín spiritedly tears apart clichés of the Andalusian and Spanish identities – often to reconstruct them in an offhand manner. The folklore – depicted in her work through flamenco, polka-dotted garments or theatrical processions – is viewed from a standpoint that encompasses national and class politics as well as gender- based relations, like shedding the multiple layers that make up the frilly dresses characteristics of her persona. Rather than shying away from such stereotypical representations, Albarracín addresses the commodification of local cultures – one so often tainted with political ambitions – and once-more distorts what has already been manipulated.”

Pilar Albarracín Exhibition

Whilst at the exhibition students noted not only their critical responses to the art works but also the curatorial decisions made by the gallery in how the work was shown. This begins the journey to their own Exam Exhibition in Grade 12 for which they must provide a detailed Curatorial Rationale. They were greatly aided in this by the unfailingly enthusiastic and informed encouragement from Aj.Liz and Aj.Bigz.