I went along to the opening of the Bargate Monument Gallery, an exhibition which marks the development of the Arches scheme. This scheme supports local artists providing them with work space, to allow for the development of their talents without financial pressure. Bargate MonumentThis monument has undergone significant restoration work to ensure that it is sufficiently stable to house the exhibition. Its interior still shows parts of the original architecture, which is not inhibited by the modern collection inside. The materials used by the artists vary between portraits in oils, film projections, computer animations and textiles. As art is subject to individual interpretation, each visitor see's a different perspective to every modern piece. I was once told that modern art should bring out either anger or love in a observer, if it failed to do this then it was not a significant piece. I don't necessarily subscribe to this philosophy, but all the pieces force the observer to ask questions, both about their own lives and that of the world around them. Chris Walker | | Part of Southampton 15-07-3006 |
One example of this is the work of Chris Walker which is displayed in the Bargate Monument. The piece titled Southampton 15-07-3006 is an interpretation of the urban landscape in Southampton in the future. Using recognisable landmarks the work looks at the development of technology and urbanisation. This work was one of my favourite pieces because it depicted a landscape I thought I would recognise if technology advanced. The use of structures within Southampton meant that I found the image realistic, and this allowed me to go beyond my comfort zone, into interpreting what technology could potentially do to the city. The Arches Scheme and Arch 07The Arches Scheme supports the work of Southampton Artists through the provision of bursaries and working space in the Arches. The setting is under central bridge and this makes for an interesting display space for the artists. It was a little bit difficult to find, but once there it was well worth the effort. The works in Arch 07 was just as varied as those in the Bargate. One example is the work of Pauline Pratt which explores the development of genetic research. The piece titled the Waiting Room gives description and significance to different Chromosomes in our DNA. I found it interesting because it offered an artistic interpretation on scientific results. All the art was produced just for this exhibition, they are well worth a look to see modern work created by local artists in an historic setting. The Exhibition are open Weds to Fri, 11am to 6pmSat and Sun 12noon to 4pm, Mon- Tues by Appointment | 
