Atelier Public, GoMA

"ATELIER PUBLIC is an exhibition that takes the form of a working artist studio – one that everyone is invited to come into, to make artworks there that will become part of the installation. The exhibition, in GoMA’s Gallery 3, will be a space for looking, thinking, exploring and making.

As well as extending an open invitation to the public, the exhibition’s curator has also asked particular artists, thinkers and makers who have a special interest in play, creativity and the imagination to engage with the space throughout the duration of the exhibition. These mini-residencies will help to shape and record what happens."

During the week, a friend and I decided to spend a day visiting some of Glasgow's modern art galleries, admittedly, contemporary art galleries are not something I would go out of my way to visit, but there's such a wealth of them here it would be a sin not to take full advantage!

One of the exhibits my friend was keen to see was Atelier Public, on the top floor of GoMA (Glasgow Museum of Modern Art). The exhibition has been running since November 10th, 2011 and finishes today.

I was interested to see how the exhibition space was presented and how the public had participated, considering it was within an official gallery framework (ie. GoMA). I had good fun wandering around, making my own contribution and taking pictures, which you can see below. It felt very informal and comfortable, like being in playschool again, taking part in something communal and far reaching.






Books for inspiration, much like you'd see in an artists studio.




Some more creative and dedicated folk had even crafted complex kinetic objects! They added more drama and interest to the space.






Irony found a space too.


Some people prefer to make a non-artistic contribution, but to participate in the exhibition.


Some additions were more thought out and symbolic.




My addition to the space, some clumsy celtic spirals.

When I first arrived I didn't know much about the exhibition or its concept at all. I haven't flexed my creative muscles in years so I was hesitant to get involved, preferring to admire everyone else's crafts. Soon however, the participatory and relaxed mood of the setting got me eager to get involved. My addition can be seen above! It was an amateur effort, like the majority of the exhibit itself, which was refreshing to see in a gallery setting. No preconceptions, no expectations, just an invitation to get involved!

The GoMA flickr stream for Atelier Public can be seen here.

Atelier Public is part of the Playable Spaces programme, and the curator has been documenting the project throughout its duration, making interesting observations along the way.