Exercises in staging objects. Part 1: tools for thought.

Abstract

'Exercises in staging objects. Part 1: tools for thought.' is the first artistic realization within Anneleens research entitled 'presentation as creation' towards the expressive potential of presentation in the design process of visual arts. Starting from the autonomous qualities of display stands, this installation consists of cardboard cut outs showing characteristic jewellery displays. Although based on parts of the human body, the display’s proportions and postures often look unrealistic, making the body present and absent at the same time. Without jewellery and enlarged until human proportions, these displays evoke surprising connotations. They remind us of abstract sculptures or even seem to carry modernist or minimalistic references. Through the photos the three-dimensional displays look flattened and stylized, which makes us question the relationship between print and sculpture. However, the viewer will have a unique experience while walking through this display set and perceiving the life-size jewellery displays. The aim, for the viewer as well for the maker, is to contemplate about presentation techniques; their function, design and appearance, while questioning that which presents and that which is presented. 'Exercises in staging objects. Part 1: tools for thought.' is created within Toegepast 20 and supported by Cultuurplatform Design and Z33, Hasselt.