In a new series, acclaimed artist Jennie Moran explores the road to developing a successful art practice.
Jennie is a visual artist whose work explores hospitality as a creative and connective philosophy.
In this article, Jennie once again turns her attention to audiences - read the previous installment here.
What is it like to visit your work?
How does the guest arrive at your work? What is the process? Is it an invitation? Do they have a choice? Or does your work surprise the visitor, impose itself. This matters. Does it have to be sought out in cultural institutions or is it out in the world?
This brings us to the threshold.
What is the barrier? Financial? Cultural? Privilege?
Are you happy with your visitor? Do you kind of wish they could be completely different? If so, how do you get that visitor to appear at your threshold?
You can design this threshold. The threshold is your oyster. You can make it anything you like. This is the first impression for the visitor of their encounter with your work.
How visible/audible are you at the threshold? When, if at all, does the visitor encounter you?
Is there an exchange? Is the visitor required to offer anything?
Is there any sort of ritual between the guest and host?
We need visitors. If we don't have a draft coming across the threshold, the thing inside withers. What do you need most from your visitor?
How much risk are you willing to take? Is there anything you want to hold back from the visitor? Are there measures you want to take to protect yourself? Design your very own Personal Protective Equipment.
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Listen, via Spotify: Jennie Moran talks about her craft, her career, and her advice to those seeking to enter the profession
Is there space for difference here? Can people disagree around your work? How might you open this up?
Guests become hosts. Do you see a way that your work could be impacted by your visitor? Is there reciprocity? Can the care bounce back to you?
How would you like your guest to leave?
What is the residue of the encounter? Will they take anything away with them? What would you like this to be?
Will you be different afterwards?
What is the feeling like after they are gone?
If you meet them again on this tiny island what will you do?
Jennie runs a module called Creative Hospitality in NCAD through the Creative Futures Academy, more info here
Read more from the Get Creative series here
