A series of trips to Hauser & Wirth, Somerset to experience the latest exhibition, Gruppenausstellung including an Art Enrichment workshop inspired by Franz West...
This latest exhibition, celebrating Hauser & Wirth’s Swiss heritage through a presentation of over 20 artists' works. This provided ample opportunity for our pupils to gain a greater appreciation into the ethos behind the international gallery approach to present artists as central stage towards fostering new connections and inclusive approaches to experiencing art.
On that note, we jumped right into this three-part show called ‘GRUPPENAUSSTELLUNG’, meaning group show in German and we embraced the idea of a traditional Kunsthalle, a space where temporary art exhibitions are held. The changing nature of this exhibition gave us a more fluid approach to experience this multidisciplinary exhibition from installations, solo presentations, and video works.
We delved into the works of key artists such as Mika Rottenberg and Franz West and that provided links to thematic projects taking place back in the studio. Pupils enjoyed taking part in Mika Rottenberg’s surreal and subversive video work, exploring globalisation and the nature of our interconnected 21st century. Her work also highlights migration patterns and makes refences to the labour force by using a range of symbolism such as plastic mass-produced objects and tunnels.
Franz West challenges us to consider the nature of creating and of interaction with art in a playful and ambiguous way. We examined key works and themes to give pupils a greater appreciation of his non-traditional and collaborative approach to making art. We provided sub-themes to help break down West’s approaches including Auto-Theatre, Kombi-Werks, Adaptives and Legitimate Sculpture. West was one of the most influential artists to have emerged from the 1960s generation of Viennese actionists and is best known for his interactive sculptures and installations. West’s materials could be described as everyday rather than specialised. Our pupils enjoyed the nature of his creative practice as he never considered his sculptures finished pieces unless the viewer interacted with the work either physically or intellectually and thereby ‘completing’ it.
A huge thank you to Eleanor Sanghara Güstard and Anna Brown (H&W Learning team) for making us feel most welcome and facilitating a series of visits. Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the guided tours with the opportunity to gain further insights into themes, context, and ideas behind relevant artworks. The end of term Franz West workshops gave pupils a chance to let go and embrace West’s approach to making art which was a liberating experience for all involved.
George Cole - Art Teacher
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