Well, it's Different!

Artists are well used to hearing the phrases 'Well, It's Different' or 'Hmmm Interesting' that seem to convey an element of negativity or disdain when observing pieces that might not fit within the 'normal' sphere of artistic experience.

That isn't to say that the observer is wrong to have that opinion, all experiences are valid and art is very subjective!What art should do, it is suggested, is convey a sense of 'something' - pleasure, concern, the uncanny and occasionally shock! Freud uses the phrases 'heimlich' and 'unheimlich' to describe that sense of being disconcerted by a certain painting or sculptural form or where the familiar is placed in an unfamiliar setting.

Challenging our views or opinions is one of the greatest things that art can do, sometimes too overtly, but a lot of times subtly, making us look in different ways and extract something positive from that challenge.In creating pieces for this exhibition the artists have embraced the 'different' aspect and have looked at alternative ways of conveying their emotion and message to the viewer.

The use of sound, light and suspension will create an immersive environment that is often not seen in contemporary galleries, thereby making the whole thing different! There will be an encouragement to handle some of the pieces or touch them to feel the texture which in itself will create that closeness to the art work beyond mere observation.The whole aim of the exhibition is present work that does challenge the observer but in an inclusive and immersive way and if that succeeds then we will have done our job.