With & Within, 2022

A performative & sculptural conversation in collaboration with sculptor Simon Ings.

Michael - Ings three-pointed installation presents a modelling life-class which exposes the process of making, through collaborative facilitation and exhibition. The positioning of the artist (Ings) at work within an enclosed space, depicts an otherwise unseen undertaking and can be examined through the opened windows or on entering the space inside, for a more intimate point of view. The subject, assisted by ’life-model’ (Michael), positioned on the street amongst the audience, offers a single hand to sculpt whilst gesturing onlookers to view the work located at a third aspect. The solidification of the sculpted hand on a plinth completes the equilateral triangle, displaying the final artwork outside for public scrutiny. The study of the hand represents traditional methods of learning, observed through multiple perspectives on an even plateau with interposing sides which exist Invisibly, in order to be crossed, thus breaking down the tensions between pedagogic roles and raises questions surrounding arts education within the institution. The methodology which marries the conversation is shared through complementary material elements used within the installation, highlighting the compositional spatial relationships of geometry and the explorative and experiential study of their combined disciplines. The continuous process practiced together within this contained classical geometric stage creates and stimulates new understandings, unearthed through interactive narratives, performed and played out by the two artists along with their invited participants, emphasising the conflicts between the resilience of repetitive practice, adaptability and the spectacle.

Cast hand on plinth, Exterior installation shot & Live performance, With & Within, Beyond Beck Road Exhibition 2022

“Put Your Hand To It!”, An Installation, 2021

Wood, clay, paper, pencils, paint, brushes, red adhesive tape, modelling stand, clay modelling armature, easel, tripod, stool, life-hand armature, scroll of collected artworks, cast hand on plinth.

A staged set-up of an art school studio depicting the process of a drawing, painting and sculpture class, with interjections of performance and participation, demonstrating a crossing over of facilitative pedagogic roles. The contrasting backdrop of the cathedral like space emphasises the juxtaposition of teaching methodologies and hints at the conflicting issues surrounding the oppression of the academic arts establishment.

‘Put your hand to it’ as a model exercise in arts practice has been applied through an online learning platform for pupils who attend a notable secondary school in central London.

Show of Hands, continuous works, 2020 - 21

Paper, aluminium mesh, canvas, paint, wood, nails.

The scroll of collected hand drawings and paintings hold a central and hierarchical position above the entire installation of works. By exposing their works as a ‘salon-hung’ exhibition gives notable weight to the artworks which were produced by participants of differing abilities. The artworks punctured onto nails suggests a kind of crucifixion - to be strung up and gawped at. The idea of hanging up works which are gestural and naive compared to the traditions of representational art, speaks of the divide within art education and the emphasis on passive learning through technical ability being recognised as ‘good’ art. The scroll showcases all works created by those who had a go at putting their hand to making a mark. The extending nature of its structure signifies a curtain of their achievements and the potential for continuous learning.

With thanks to all participants who attended the fluxes events in conjunction with ‘Put your hand to it’.

Collaborative Hand, 2021

Wood, marble, brass, plaster of Paris

This cast taken of my hand, modelled by three people of differing ages and technical abilities. depicts the hand in artistic form in a traditional representational stature. The gestural position of the hand symbolises both an offering and a request for support. The museum-style display of the hand on an elaborate wood and marble plinth, conveys the deserving preservation of a process and a collaborative gestural artefact aesthetically presented to lure the spectator for acknowledgement of a new pedagogic methodology of practice. Collaborative Hand demonstrates that working with others is a way of letting go of rigid masterful positions and an opportunity to manoeuvre gently through transactional gestures of role play to embody the in-between areas for reflectiveness.

With thanks to Frida, Edie, & Tom and to Simon at the Ingle-Nook workshop.

“Put your hand to it”, 2020

Performative, participatory learning events

Royal Academy of Arts, London

Brown Hart Gardens and the residents of the peabody estate, London