Article

By Monique Redmond | Programme Leader Visual Arts | AUT University | 14 September 2009

Visual Arts Talk Week at AUT University

This year on May 26-28, 2009 we implemented a new and important element into our Visual Arts programmes; we called it "Talk Week". The event ran for three full days followed by a one-day open studio. The aim was to develop students' critical awareness and professional practice, by integrating a large scale critical forum into our Visual Arts programmes here at AUT.

Visual Arts students from all levels, Years 2 & 3 BVA and Postgraduate MA&D set up an exhibition of their current work in their individual studio spaces. This informal exhibition was opened up to invited critics for three days of critique and to the public through an open studio. The professional and critical audience was made up of artists, writers, curators, academics and art students; each critique group involved 5-6 students, two Visual Arts staff and one guest critic for half a day. The whole event: 108 students, all Visual Arts staff, 26 invited critics. Critics came from all parts of the sector including art schools and galleries outside of Auckland. This event imported much excitement, engagement and involvement from both students and visitors alike.

The invited guests enjoyed getting a 'look-in' to the studios, meeting our Visual Arts students and participating in critically-focused discussion. The students loved the dialogue and the opportunity to engage with interested outsiders, but also the chance to be listeners in other sessions. Some groups had an extra twenty or so people trailing.

The benefit and enjoyment factor of Talk Week to the students, staff and guest critics and the Visual Arts programmes as a whole was outstanding. We will definitely do it again in 2010.

Student comments...
"I really enjoyed Talk Week. The discussion that occurred surrounding my work has definitely had an impact upon how I think about it and how I approach trying to convey my ideas to the viewer through my work. I found it really interesting because they were completely unfamiliar to my work so the ideas that were brought up surrounding it were genuine comments that were uninfluenced by previous discussions. I also liked that they didn't try to soften the blow when there was something that they thought wasn't working. It was easier to cut straight to what it was that wasn't working rather than talking in circles. I also liked how each critic brought with them something different. (Different knowledge, backgrounds and ideas)."

"Refreshing having cold readings from people that don't know my practice; also allowed me to consider that whilst making the work."

"Excellent feedback from critics. It was positive hearing from outside critics because of the cold readings they were able to give. The critique gave a broader scope and depth into reading my work."

"Guest critics are excellent. They are fresh eyes on your work."

"Talk week has given me a wider understanding of how my work is being read critically, and has also given me a wider understanding of other student's art practices going on around me."

Monique Redmond
Programme Leader Visual Arts