Testing Ground in full swing

24 February 2015

Its been a while since the last diary – have to delve back to Feb and Master Class was in full swing.

Testing Ground in full swing
First up, Mark Titchner gave an interesting talk and spoke about installing 'When We Build Let Us Think That We Build Forever' in our 2008 show 'Material Presence'.
Testing Ground in full swing
There was a full house attending, including the Master Class participating artists and programme leader Doug Fishbone with his wife Karen Russo.
Testing Ground in full swing
The following night Elizabeth Price also gave a mesmerising talk and showed us her process where she synthesizes every detail of her videos like paint on a palette.
Testing Ground in full swing
In between the Master Class lectures was the opening of the exhibition 'Partial Presence' a core part of Testing Ground which students from CASS and Goldsmiths curate as part of their Curating MFA courses. Their dynamic show included this amazing Wolfgang Tillmans work 'Icestorm' from 2001, seen here in the distance.
Testing Ground in full swing
The MFA students had chosen many art works that I revered. My artist friend Ilana Fattal was rather quizzical about Paul Lee’s 'Untitled (Towel Hook Painting)'. I loved the placement of many of the works, especially Miroslaw Balka on the mezzanine.
Testing Ground in full swing
Later in the month was the long awaited opening at the Whitworth. Maria Balshaw did us all proud.
Testing Ground in full swing
I was so happy to see the Zabludowicz Collection’s 'Spammagadon' by Sarah Lucas on show there.
Testing Ground in full swing
Simon Lee Gallery had opened with Hugh Scott-Douglas - the show was a good progress from previous work, based on the watch makers Patek Phillipe. It was good to see Hugh in such good hands. Matt from Blum and Poe, Simon Lee, Hugh Scott-Douglas and Nick Baker.