liz sergeant


Fig 1. Diagram Showing the Power of Art

Mixed Media 2m x 2m
June 2010

Playful Fridge Magnets, Serious Academic Model or Awful Art by Committee?

Commissioned by Islington-based Qualitative Research Agency Spinach, the work represents the artist’s own attempts at Q. R. Interviews were conducted with Spinach staff to try to determine what makes a successful piece of art in the office. The premise: can better art be created with a better understanding of what the market wants?

The research revealed similarities in the language describing the work of a Qualitative Researcher and the power of Art ('capacity to transform' and 'emotional response'). The resulting matrix references the Johari Window, an authoritative academic model; yet, super-sized and mounted on magnets, it becomes playful, hinting that there are no right/wrong answers. Does the work invite consideration, encourage discussion or provide inspiration? Or does it fail on all accounts, proving that it's impossible to make good art by consensus?

home     artist educator     exhibitions     artist statement     contact