The essay aims to situate or locate Douglas's most recent work in both the continuum of her ongoing enquiry but also in relation to a plethora of other influences; contextual; social; artistic; historical etc.
It has been a slightly intimidating commission as I've known and admired Jen's work since I was an undergraduate student so progress has been slow and tentative but this month I've been immersing myself in research following my experiences of the show (which is always, inevitably going to be highly subjective and within my own sphere of current knowledge, understanding and sensibilities) and a conversation with Jen.
It has, however, been incredibly rewarding (if not challenging at times) to revisit art history and work at constructing a worthwhile contribution to the conversation. Yesterday in the BALTIC library I came across Hal Foster's The Return of the Real for the first time and was completely astounded that this had slipped my attention! Surely this should be curriculum reading for all art students!? I have added it to my personal curriculum to be read at the earliest possible moment…
(Jen Douglas - Distillation of key themes)
(Orik, "helping" with the essay)
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