This section focuses on the artists’ virtual exhibition in response to the question 'what is the North of England today’. The user is presented with a fantastical vision of a cultural destination set on a pier like structure set off the northern coastline of England. Five virtual buildings convey different aspects of the artists’ experience, ideas, and the understanding that they came to after the 28 day road trip.
The virtual exhibition architecture is inspired by the history of international expo events of the last 50 years, akin to a mini festival of Britain (see case study for more information).
The pavilion park, in true expo style hosts an exhibition around themes of:
The buildings themselves are set as if a ven diagram from above and the relationship to the land and sea has been inspired by Robert Smithson's seminal 1970's land art piece 'Spiral Jetty'.
Society is represented as a contemplative garden or sculpture park. The viewer is encouraged to think about the social utopian ideals and industrial backbone of post war Britain, the artists sought out clues to the changing social structures in our ultra capitalist Britain. Looking at the current nature of social housing, from failed optimistic projects such as Sheffield's Park Hill to positive change in Manchester as run down terraced properties are redesigned for the new financially independent work force. Geography is represented with a glass walk-in building where the viewer can click on the mini-visitors to see what they are seeing and thinking about, from carbon offsetting to light pollution and satellite communication. The culture pavilion contains a star map of landmark artworks, and the economics pavilion a traditional still life representing the artists understanding of the unpredictable nature of capitalism. Finally the international pavilion stands out of the shallow coastal water akin to a pop art version of a pagoda; it houses the pick of internationally relevant aspects from the artists' view of the north.
The exhibition models in sections like geography and society are simply made, colourful, and attractive objects. They reference the style of Charles and Ray Eames' model making techniques and exhibition design in 1950's America. The Eames’ were two designers, filmmakers and artists who embraced the era’s visionary concepts of modern design as an agent of social change. The Eames’ projects used imagery of daily rituals and entertainment, vernacular landscapes, and ordinary objects to promote popular culture as the currency of exchange between nations and people. The pair became cultural ambassadors for their country.
Each pavilion provides the user with multiple images, exhibition descriptions, extra information, and inspiration details. Consequently there is a range of interesting and diverse discussion points for students of all subjects within the artists’ expo exhibition. Familiarise yourself with the artists’ road trip and explore other information in this pack and then enter and interact with the expo exhibition. Choose and click on at random objects and/or people and consider the discussion points and topics that are presented to you. To initiate your discussion consider and discuss why the artists have chosen a particular design/drawing/object to be in the exhibition.
Feedback your ideas and opinions on the Wonderful North forum.