Final piece - Routes X

After reassembling, I made this gigantic collage. I had to stop when it physically got too big to handle. It wasn't a planned final, however I felt it couldn't be ignored. I think it would be effective in presentation.

Routes IX is definitely my main, overall series for rounding this project off. It covers all aspects and aims of the research. But I believe I would've ended up using this if exhibiting. Coming directly from these walking drawings, which were influenced by Debord's drifting and the autoethnographic method. I can see how they appear as an influence in this piece.

Taking the 3D versions apart to create this, shows the impact of the virus. As mentioned previously, if I'd perhaps used wood, like MDF to create stronger, more refined structures. I would've left it at that. But since I didn't have access to a workshop (because of restrictions), I was able to find an alternative solution which still works.

Various dimensions but height roughly 7ft. Acrylic on mount board.

Full Critical Evaluation found on original submission.

Final piece - Routes IX

Used the same process as the paper casts, I'm very pleased with the results.

Acrylic on canvas, various dimensions.

I'm happy I decided to go with canvas, instead of leaving it at paper. I've always had an appreciation for textiles and fabric as a medium. The canvas has a nice drape to it whilst still having structure, with help with the spray sealant and starch. It worked out exactly how I thought it would in my head.

The only thing I wish for this series is that they could be presented together on the wall, either in two rows of five, horizontally or vertically. Or displaced? If I was exhibiting these I would've played around more with the composition. I just didn't have enough space here on the wall.

I also favoured the rough edges here, Although I've been using clean, lines and edges on the rest of my work, I believe it suggests the idea of being detached from the canvas. The detachment which progressed into expanded painting. I've really favoured the expanded painting process, it suits my skill set and use of materials. Which is pretty much whatever I can get my hands on. I've never stuck to one singular process, for example just painting, just ceramics etc. Not that there's anything wrong about that. What I've taken away from this project is that I am a mixed media/visual artist. A contemporary artist. Whereas before I wasn't sure how to identify my art practice.

I strongly believe this series conveys the aims of this project. Debord and Lefebvre's theory, interdisciplinary, autoethnography and the result of the virus on my work. Although I am please with the results, I can't help imagining how much further I could've taken it without lockdowns. However, this has shown that the pandemic hasn't prohibited, prevented my making. It has made me change the way I work. Altering practice to changing circumstances. A skill that comes with being an artist and I believe I've used it to my full advantage here.

Front:

Left:

Right:

Right, different perspective:

Routes IX, before cast

Acrylic on canvas, no gesso as I wanted the paintings to be able to wrap round the objects as best they could. As I'd used spray sealant and starch spray on previous fabric casts I knew I could use those materials to stiffen the paintings after casting.