Initial Research

As my next project brief is surrounded by creating a product/object for an Art Gallery or Museum, I realised the importance of collecting primary research for these places. Living in Manchester, there are many galleries and museums in close proximity. In the first week of my research I started visiting these places, and collecting information through observation, photography and sketchbook drawings. Though further on in the project I will focus on one gallery or museum, I think not limiting myself to one place from the start was important as it allowed thorough exploration and research to take place.

As the brief given to me was to create a product/object for an art gallery/museum shop, I made sure I visited these shops and started analysing different products that were on offer. This research was mostly done through photography. Through my research, the great variety of products was evident. This, paired with the extremely open brief for this project overwhelmed me. Therefore, in order to get through this challenge I’ve decided to focus on creating an end product later on down the line, once more sketchbook exploration and research has been done. This ensures continuous development, rather than being limited due to fixation towards an end product idea.

Whilst visiting Manchester Art Gallery, and exhibition titled ‘ And Breathe’ took my interest. This exhibition was encouraged people to ‘Slow down, connect with art and themselves to enhance their wellbeing’. It featured a co-curated collection of artworks using different specialisms and techniques. Each artwork evokes a different feeling of self- reflection and meditative quality that I find intriguing. Moving on from this I want to research more into this exhibition, as it has greatly interested me, and start considering how I can incorporate ideas from the exhibition within my own work.