Whereas an idea is an object of understanding—implying a certain clarify of comprehension—the term “thought” describes a mental response to sensory experience that can be of a more vaned level of resolution. Some thoughts are more urgent than others of course, dominating our attention and agitating our emotions. We might call the more persistent of these unsettling preoccupations a vocal thought—one that will not stay quiet and let our mind be at ease. Following this line, Vocal Thoughts the exhibition presents a range of artists working with disquiet at both an individual and societal level, both as a subject, aid even as a raw material. Bringing to the fore difficult feelings and exchanges that are largely left unspoken, unexamined, or sometimes engaged with a closed mind Anna Davis &Jason Gee, Chris Howlett, Daniel Johnston, Tellervo Kalteinen & Oliver Kochta-Kalletnen, Dani Marti, and Kate Murphy form Intimate and informed perspectives on sensitive issues of mental health and wellbeing—complemented with insights into the medical, political and economic frameworks that have evolved to manage such troubles….
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Online space is further considered by Dam Marti’s video portrait of a teenager filmed in Barcelona in 2004, titled Andrea greeted with a pubescent smile (2008). Refreshingly candid and honest, this work provides a remarkable documentary insight into the way in which the internet has become integral to many adolescent’s pathway toward social and sexual maturity. Andrea explains the tangible sense of intimacy and community she gains from chat rooms other web- based social media, though remains philosophical about the place of online technologies, asserting that they provide no substitute for, or short cut to, meaningful real-world relationships. Her enthusiasm for technology is balanced by examples of the occasional betrayal of trust from users that misrepresent their age in order to appeal to younger people, however it appears that this kind of experience has fortunately served to sharpen her general insights into the full spectrum of human nature, making her wary and Use while still maintaining her youthful zeal for life.
Marti*s compelling Time is the fire in which we burn (2009), is part of a separate and ongoing body of interviews in which he gently engages an individual to recount their life’s story after having sex with them to elicit an exceedingly open emotional state. In this substantial work John, a slightly needy one time methamphetamine addict and prostitute who is haunted by a recently ended romantic relationship, tells his excruciating tale of personal loss, loneliness and degradation. In employing this potentially controversial working method, Marti captures a singular display of character, self-scrutiny and humility from his subject. Ultimately an intertwined meditation on intimacy and strength of character, told from the perspective of the bedroom Time is the fire in which we durn reflects on our limited lifespan and proposes that as an ideal we should sex to fill our time with enduring happiness and comfort…
text extract from Exhibition Text by Peter McKay
- Exhibition Catalogue and full text
- Link to Time is the fire in which we burn (2009)
- Link to Andrea greeted with a pubescent smile (2008)