The Landscape Thinks…

The Landscape Thinks Itself In Us

Paintings by Noel Hefele : curated by Joanna O’Donovan

Aim

To investigate the role of documentation curated as part of the exhibition from an audience’s perspective
To gain practical experience of curating and promoting an exhibition
To show Noel Hefele’s work to the best of my ability

Summary

Approached Noel about collaboration and concept of the show
Negotiated the use of a studio within the college which could be divided into two spaces
Worked with Noel to understand the purpose, inspiration and process of his practice as he was developing the paintings and documented in using various mediums considering the target audience
Incorporated insights from documentation into press and publicity materials and conducted outreach aimed at engaging people from the local community and the college community
Installed paintings in space I and documentary materials in space II, including process of practice, site visit, visitor perceptions and dwelling (see links below)
Invited A Level art students from local secondary school to come and give formal feedback on their experience

Space II: Site visit

Space II: Dwelling

Outcomes

Three pieces of print media coverage – text and images – secured (including a front page) including 100% of the key messages detailed in the press release
Over 150 people visited during the show with more than 75% being from outside the college community
Over the students that visited and provided formal feedback
- 100% enjoyed the experience of the show
- 100% liked having the documentation materials provided in the second space
- 75% found the material in space II useful in terms of developing their own practice
- 75% found the material in space II enhanced their experience of the paintings
Ongoing negotiations with visitors regarding the purchase of two of the paintings
Significant personal experience gained about the logistics of curating and promoting a show

Opening night film

Joanna O'Donovan; Realising Curating Aspirations