Infinito Presente: Exhibition comprising observational works in pen and gouache
- Submitting institution
-
University of Wales Trinity Saint David / Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant
- Unit of assessment
- 32 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
- Output identifier
- 32-JW1
- Type
- M - Exhibition
- Venue(s)
- Piombino Dese Veneto Italia
- Open access status
- Out of scope for open access requirements
- Month of first exhibition
- October
- Year of first exhibition
- 2016
- URL
-
-
- Supplementary information
-
-
- Request cross-referral to
- -
- Output has been delayed by COVID-19
- No
- COVID-19 affected output statement
- -
- Forensic science
- No
- Criminology
- No
- Interdisciplinary
- No
- Number of additional authors
-
-
- Research group(s)
-
-
- Proposed double-weighted
- No
- Reserve for an output with double weighting
- No
- Additional information
- Williams’ research uses observational drawing to explore the value of the activity of drawing ‘reportage’. This he positions as a counterpoint to the proliferation of digital cameras, smart phones, and social media ‘selfies’, where photographs are instantaneously created with little or no discernment or analysis, and the act of looking and seeing is often overlooked. His research asks: what is the value of drawing ‘reportage’ to record and witness people, places and things in contemporary everyday life? Drawing on the philosophy of Zen Buddhism employed as a foundational method of his prāxis, Williams’ research reasserts purposeful looking and seeing through a body of location-based observational drawing which explores people, their bodies and personages. His drawn responses are expressions of direct experience. Without a camera primary experience is fundamental and is being substituted by secondary, mediated versions of the world offered by online content. He employs Mushin (no mind) which is not an ideology, rather a way of living; it is direct communication beyond words. Williams’ reportage is a reflection on daily life and perceived mundane moments. The aim is to heighten awareness of life as it is happening - experiencing the moment, embracing the fluidity, flow and ever-changing dynamic of the urban landscape (as described by Merleau-Ponty) - to recognise the neglected, as these also have merit, and not to be blinded by familiarity. Williams contends that we should value these subtle and unpretentious aspects of the day before they are lost forever and consider them in their uniqueness and acknowledge their virtues. Williams’ outcomes explore that which cannot be grasped by linear sequential thought. He captures direct and instantaneous moments by being completely present, allowing no separation between the drawing, the drawer and the environment. Dissemination: ‘Infinito Presente’, Ex Magazzini Bonato, 2nd -16th October 2016.
- Author contribution statement
- -
- Non-English
- No
- English abstract
- -
