Text by Georgina Wright
Curated by Jack Welsh at the Cornerstone Gallery, Processing, evidently recognised as a photography reference, takes the work of artists and writers and combines them in a way that promotes discourse that also suitably ties in with the theme of LOOK/13 – what happens when photographers turn the lens on themselves. The title of the show insinuates a series of actions taken in order to attain a particular end although in this respect as oppose to simply presenting a series of photographic works, Processing acts as a connection in the ongoing development of the artists’ works. Consequently forming an interchange between the artists, writers, viewers and the works themselves, leading to further examination and potential outcomes in the long-term.
Initially, the viewer is confronted with Chamber, the work of Kevin Casey, a stark and clinical observation of the environment and inner workings of the UK’s decompression chambers, drawing attention to the various uses of hyperbaric medicine. The unambiguous nature of these images presents a somewhat disturbing yet also intriguing element to the overall works. This is further emphasized through the personal response written by photographer and writer, Joni Karanka featured in the Processing newspaper. Karanka’s observation of the oppressive environment depicted in Casey’s photographs, the futuristic yet obsolete elements result in a sense of apprehension and unease, something that Casey certainly captures in the images. The medical functionality of the hyperbaric chambers is also discussed and during an interview with Kevin Casey, where he describes how this project investigates and communicates his father’s experience since his father had sessions in a hyperbaric chamber on returning from long hall trips on offshore oilrigs, boats and as a diver.
Although seemingly polarized from the restricted environment depicted in Casey’s photographs, the impressive panoramic landscapes in Triangulation by Stephen McCoy and Stephanie Wynne also have rigidity in their process. Triangulation series is a continuing five-year project to visit and photograph all 314 Primary triangulation points which were built and measured between 1936 and 1962 by the Ordnance Survey for the retriangulation of Great Britain to improve the exactitude of map making. Writer and journalist, Kenn Taylor, supplements the project with a written essay articulating the processes and ideas guiding the project. The project highlights the challenging nature of the landscape and the endeavors to, in a sense, apprehend it through monitoring and map making. The notions of outmoded systems, like in Chamber, are also referenced. Although the images are striking and beautiful, the trig points determine the photographs position and therefore eliminate aesthetic judgment. Consequently principles of what constitute a good photograph, which usually are largely influenced by cultural and educational background, and compositional choices, are diminished.
Lastly, the exceptionally motivating work of Stephen King, From Here to Here explores the concept of the desire path, examining the relationship between the individual and the substructure of an urban environment. King documents the anarchic, indeterminate paths created over time by numerous users, which have inadvertently disregarded or reinterpreted the proposed modes of navigation. What comes to be clear is that even before the slight suggestion in the surface, a collective, unconscious and similarly rebellious decision is made. Therefore, indicating a hidden connection between the individual and the greater populace. Critic Linda Pittwood also responds to King’s work with both an essay and app format, delivering an interactive and participatory element for visitors. Kings work ultimately draws attention to the fractures between urban planning and urban usage, revealing the organic nature of the navigational requirements and encourages further critical enquiry.
Overall Processing reveals the value of collaboration and the importance of writing and critical analysis in art. Providing contemplative and stimulating notions that continue to develop.
Processing is on display at the Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool until 29 September 2013.
Georgina Wright is a writer based in Liverpool.
Published 29.07.2013 by Steve Pantazis in Reviews
641 words