Exhibits,
Sharon Billinge Marchland
Opening: Tuesday 11 August, 6-8pm Dates: 11-28 August 2009Marchland, noun: The line or area separating geopolitical units, a buffer zone.
‘Marchland’ is part of my ongoing attempt to examine human identity and interaction. The installation explores the process of finding a balance between isolation and connection and attempts to break down the accepted roles of artist and viewer. It shows two people caught in the act of pushing against and simultaneously retreating from their own marchlands. Above these figures hang pieces of charcoal that visitors to the exhibition are invited to draw with. This invitation to leave a mark on something seen as permanent – a wall, in a place visited by people who want to look at things on the wall – is an opportunity to present a piece of our own experience to be seen and remembered by others.
The creation of the work will continue on the opening night as a performance, singling me out to be the creator of the work and as such open to questioning about the installation, breaking down my own marchlands and the established barriers at work in a gallery situation.