Balance

Today I visited the Museum of the History of Science and the Ashmolean with K. Was thinking about what Caroline said in her video lecture about the nature of collections, buildings and curation affecting the viewer's encounter with the work or artifacts.

http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/
http://www.ashmolean.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kotomi-jewelry/4166924931/  

MHS was the original holder of the Ashmolean's collection, but in 1924 the collection of Lewis Evans was given to the University and the Museum begin to take on its role as a Museum of the History of Science as it stands today. Being there in an educational sense, it was really interesting to see how this resource could be used to stimulate a project, or in fact be used as an opportunity for recording, and looking at symbolism. Chris described MHS as having four key points of interest, that it referenced a different time, how the artifacts were crafted, a sense of discovery and attention to detail. There have been some contemporary artists who have worked with and within the space, reflecting on the history of science. There was something magical about this first room, the glass cabinets housing curiosities and treasures from another time. I was particularly taken by the spherical glass containers and a radium home kit - perhaps made more resonant because of the tragic Japan nuclear disaster...the glass conjured lots of ideas - reflection, alchemy, magic, orbs, bubbles and Susan Hiller's painting grenades. The Al-Mizan exhibition was full of golden treasures including the golden compass like, 'cosmic calculators' - astrolabes. Al-Mizan means balance, in a metaphysical sense. This made me think about balance in my own practice; use of colour to achieve a sense of balance, the process of painting being cathartic, the balancing act of work and play. I'm not going to write here about this exhibition, or about what we focused on at the Ashmolean later in the day. However, there were many things which made me consider a different element to my practice; in a sense reengaging with these types of museums as an artist not an educator. The process of looking at objects - not painting or photographs - and drawing, was something which I didn't realise I missed. I plan to go back to both places and spend longer looking and recording, trying to achieve some stillness in my mind to capture that sense of discovery and magic. The geometric Islamic designs, comprising of triangles (consciousness), squares (elements) and hexagons (heaven/perfection) reminded me of something which came up just before this course began. What can be known? What is worth knowing? and what can be done with the knowledge once it is discovered? A sense of balance in consciousness, the knower, the known and the knowing. All I know is that I need to know more...