If the Mind Were Material
Geoff Mann is Make Stuff Creative Producer and Programme Leader of Craft at Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art. He has written the following blog about forthcoming Make Stuff exhibition, ‘If the Mind Were Material.’ You can find out more about Geoff’s work on his website.
I have always considered equality for all creative tools, I say this as someone who was trained in both a multi-discipline undergraduate programme and a specialist master's at the Royal College of Art. It comes down to the person rather than the tool, and with this mindset, I considered first working with digital tools.
Throughout my 20 year studio practice, I have navigated the intersection between the physical and the digital realms. In this dynamic space, the tools of fabrication traverse a spectrum from the tangible to the intangible. The essence of my work lies in the synthesis of these contrasting worlds, where creativity flourishes in the interplay between traditional and digital mediums. This ongoing exploration has fueled a deeper understanding of the diverse possibilities inherent in the fusion of physical and virtual dimensions within the realm of artistic expression.
Areas of studio research have included, translating the ethereal movements of birds during landing and take-off into tangible expressions, contemplating sound as a potent force capable of physically deforming objects, pushing the boundaries of light as a tangible property, and encapsulating the performative essence of gestures to sculpt forms through the agency of craft. Each project undertaken occupies the intriguing space of the "phygital," where a transformative reality emerges. Here, meta-objects manifest a presence that defies a singular classification, seamlessly blending the tangible and intangible aspects of existence. This exploration spans a multidimensional landscape, where the boundaries between the physical and the conceptual blur, giving rise to a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness between materiality and abstraction.
Delving into the conceptual space where the tangible and intangible converge, 'If the Mind Were Material' will explore installations and artefacts situated at the threshold of this juncture. This exhibition invites viewers into a realm where worlds meld, fostering an uncanny sense of familiarity in a state of conscious unfamiliarity.
The overarching theme of the exhibition will contemplate how audiences engage with and perceive the intricate interplay between form, substance, and the ever-evolving nature of our perceptual experience. It aspires to offer a nuanced understanding of this dynamic relationship within the context of an emerging reality.
In this curated showcase, the installations and artefacts serve as gateways, facilitating a richer comprehension of the diverse dimensions inherent in the fusion of physical and metaphysical realms. By immersing the audience in this creative exploration, 'If the Mind Were Material' aims to contribute to an expanded appreciation of the evolving landscape of a new reality, challenging preconceived notions and encouraging a deeper connection with the transformative potential of artistic expression.
GEOFF MANN, CREATIVE PRODUCER, MAKE STUFF + PROGRAMME LEADER OF CRAFT, MMU
