Karen Wallis - selected & rejected is a solo exhibition about subjectivity in our choice of art. The first part is about individual choice, in which members of the public will be able to make their personal selection from a retrospective of 30+ years of my art practice. The second part is about institutional choice and will display all documentation and works from my submissions to various opportunities over the past two years.
post 3: 14 September, 2009
I stopped blogging for a while to concentrate on preparations for the show. Now there's a little over 2 weeks to go and things are really busy. Here's a brief update. All attempts at public funding have failed due to "competition for funds". This has certain benefits in the freedom to be totally independent in both action and comment. In the private realm, I am receiving loyal support from people who are joining The Select Few. Workshop bookings are coming in steadily - from primary schools, colleges and art groups. So far no individuals have made bookings to curate - but this has yet to be promoted properly. If you are interested in taking part click here.
post 2: 18 May, 2009
To prepare for the second part of my exhibition, I have been collecting documentation of all my submissions to advertised opportunities. In the past the process of making applications has generated feelings of doubt, frustration and a general sensitivity to being rejected. But, having had to increase my number of applications for this project, my perspective has shifted. Rejection is now less upsetting and, not only have I had a few unexpected successes, but a few near misses have introduced a new ‘short listed’ category. I’m also getting better at judging what work to submit and making better use of my diverse practice to increase the chance of success. Nevertheless, it all takes time away from making work and the costs of so many applications are adding up. I do sometimes wonder why artists have to compete for every opportunity...
post 1: 3 May, 2009
The idea for this project comes from my experience of not fitting easily into any single category as a visual artist - and a recognition of the inherent subjectivity of selection, which spans all choice in art. My practice, although rooted in painting, is diverse - and this has attracted diverse criticism and support from the followers and gatekeepers of the various art forms I use. I am hoping that this blog, and the whole project, will help me to situate myself within the current art scene and offer direction for my future practice.
the blog
