1. You have decided to take part in the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Has there been any challenges?
2. The traditional exhibition model no longer applies in the post-pandemic era, calling for alternatives. What kind of role do you think biennales and art exhibitions should play in the future?
3. Offline visits to indoor exhibitions (Main Exhibition, Special Exhibitions 1 & 2) were restricted due to the government’s social distancing policy from September 17 to October 4, 2020 during which the audience were able to enjoy artworks only through online platform. The exhibitions have been made available both online and offline afterwards. What do you think of the online exhibitions at the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020?
4. Do your submissions to the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020 have any connections with its theme, “Non-Sculpture: Light or Flexible“? If they do, tell us your thoughts in relation to materials, forms, methodologies and contexts.
5. What’s your impression of the Biennale in Korea?
6. What do you make of the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020, compared to other biennales? Tell us your honest feedback.
7. What are your plans after the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020?
Artist: James Tapscott
Artwork: Arc ZERO
Q. You have decided to take part in the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Has there been any challenges?
A. Yes, there certainly some challenges exhibiting throughout this time – for me it is mostly due to the travel restrictions. My work is largely site-specific, site-determined, and even with Arc ZERO (which has been exhibited a number of times in other locations) I always adapt it in subtle ways to take advantage of the new site. This was very difficult to do without being able to visit the site in person and make the adjustments to the design. Luckily the Biennale team, and the builder were able to give me enough information to produce the work in a suitable way. The other challenge is the missed opportunity to see the other artworks, meet the other artists and travel – which I find integral to the growth of my practice.
Q. Do your submissions to the Changwon Sculpture Biennale 2020 have any connections with its theme, “Non-Sculpture: Light or Flexible“? If they do, tell us your thoughts in relation to materials, forms, methodologies and contexts.
A. Much of my work these days is non-objective and based around an experience of site and body – thus my materials have become ever softer to the point of working with mist and light. I find the softer the materials, the more directly a site can communicate it’s subtleties to the viewer, to be experienced through all their senses. The theme for the biennale perfectly describes the physical presence of my work. I think “light and flexible” is also an important concept for us as people to adapt into our way of being, especially in this time and for the future. The exhibition is very prescient in this way.
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