In The Window Placement - Exhibition and Performance Feedback

After installation and each performance, Glen said that he was impressed not only with the work itself, but also my hard work and enthusiasm installing and performing in the exhibition, he said I should keep an eye open for future opportunities at AirSpace Gallery to apply to work with them again. A couple of weeks after the date, Glen contacted me to ask for my feedback from my placement, and said he was "still smiling from how well [I] had done", it was nice to know I had made a lasting impact. In a tutorial with practice module leader Anna after the exhibition and performance dates, she said that my work 'In The Window' stood up to the works of other more established artist's who had exhibited in that space, as opposed to being obvious that mine was the work of a student, which was great to hear. On campus, lecturer Catherine Dineley from the photography department kindly stopped me to say that she had seen the work online and that it was impressive, as well as saying it evoked an emotional response, we  also talked about the context of the work which she had understood from the work itself immediately. 

After both performances, I asked some of the people who had seen them for their feedback online. It was mostly positive with people congratulating me on the work and my performance but two people in particular responded more comprehensively. A fellow student wrote that they enjoyed the work and the experience, that they felt the exhibition and performances "brought the [work] to life" and that as a make-up wearer the act of applying and removing make-up repeatedly in Bared Face "was a great comment on the futility and impermanence of both physical, and metaphorical, mask wearing. They also commented that it was great to see the window animated and "that small space come to life". A friend who attended said they were "struck by how moving and visceral each [performance] was" and that they identified with the premise of the work, even comparing acts in the performances to their own experiences. They liked  that the performances took place in a public window space but mentioned that they would have preferred to be closer as people had to stand over the road from AirSpace Gallery in order to maintain social distancing. 

As well as seeking feedback in person, I found that the documentation and footage of the exhibition and performances received a lot of attention on social media, with a large amount of positive comments from a wide range of people. People said the work was beautiful, provocative and brave. 

The placement experience and the feedback from it have really improved my confidence and helped me to trust myself, my work and my intentions. I am excited to apply for and engage with future opportunities.