Melissa Esplin
My initial proposal was to have 12 works, 3’x6′ hung as an installation, for the viewers to walk through. I didn’t end up getting the space that I had hoped for, which dramatically changed how I decided to hang the work. The space didn’t lend itself to an installation, but because of the funding for the project I felt that I needed to have the work on campus, so I settled to have it in the HBLL 2nd floor gallery. This was a little frustrating to me because the whole idea behind the series was to contextualize graphic designs in a traditional painting environment. Technically it works because there have been paintings in that hall before, but the space is not a designated gallery, in the traditional sense. I also didn’t make 12 designs as I had originally planned. Time afforded me 10 pieces. I don’t think it would have made the show any stronger to have 12 than with 10.
During 5th or 6th grade my older sister taught me how I could express myself through lines and patterns. I remember being angry at a grade I received on a class assignment and then drawing what I felt to be anger. As I became more and more engrossed with the designs and process, I developed a stroke language to express my feelings. These small drawings I have done my entire life. I, however, haven’t always remained close to that imagery.
About a year and a half ago, I was enrolled in a painting class with Jacki Larsen, we were required to do an exercise with composition. When I talked about the imagery I had made with Jacqui, she explained to me that the work was “too design”, that I needed to make it a painting. She suggested adding a figure, but she never quite explained what she meant. I left a little confused. As I thought about it, I assumed that design was seen as inferior to painting. My assumptions were also confirmed by some of my friends who were BFA design majors. One of my friends expressed how the designers didn’t get the kind of space or recognition that the studio majors did.
Because of my experiences, I felt the need to separate my graphic design work and my studio work. I managed to keep it all separated, but in the back of my mind it all seemed a little ignorant of me to keep those separated. I switched design jobs a little while ago, and my new job allowed and required a lot more creativity than my last job. I could go wild on my designs, and basically do whatever I wanted as long as I included the information on it. I started to get more creative and elaborate with the designs, and soon realized that I wanted nothing more than to take away all of the text and contextualize it as painting.
There are many designs that I’ve seen that I would love to see recontextualized in a fine art setting. Works from Adhemas Batista, Eduardo Recife and Meda Poana would have been just beautiful in a gallery setting. I figured it could be done; Milton Glaser had his work in a Museum, why not any other design?
I am pleased with what happened with the designs, and how each of them are very unique but obviously part of a cohesive body of work. As the work has been complete, I realize that the work is not about being in the gap, it is about using the tools of technology to create visual imagery that is contextualized as art and not design. The work is based on my own personal aesthetic; I want the imagery to be visually appealing. I also want the artwork to be accessible to others. I’m not here to make art just for myself or an exclusive audience. Clement Greenberg pushed art to be aloof, which to me isn’t what art is about. I want to include my family and friends in the art, many of which don’t know what art is about, or any history behind art movements. “I think that people who take the time to look at art are generally being generous in their time and it’s important to be as generous as possible back (Matthew Ritchie 2005, 64).”
As far as my goals for the work to be design recontextualized as painting, making the work visually appealing and accessible, breaking down the barriers that I feel exist with art and design, I feel that I was successful.