WEEK7 AVANT-PRISM: ABOUT SUMMERHALL COLLECTIVE SPACE SCHEME
This week after class, we at Avant-Prism had a face-to-face after-school group meeting. We discussed what we would like to do with the Summerhall Collective Space in the coming weeks. In the coming weeks, we will use this shared space to connect around exhibitions, art theory, and challenges in personal curation.
A Space for Dialogue and Reflection
At the heart of our collective is a commitment to open discourse. Through structured yet flexible sessions, we will engage with exhibitions we have seen, discuss thought-provoking readings, and present curatorial dilemmas that invite collective problem-solving. These interactions will not only refine our curatorial thinking but also enrich our individual practices with diverse perspectives.
Upcoming Meetings
We have planned a series of thematic gatherings to deepen our engagement with curatorial practice:
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Thursday 13 March (Week 8, 5-7pm): Furitmarket Gallery Visit, Discuss and Share!
Reflection session where we will discuss the recent exhibition we visited together (Protia Zvavahera, Zvakazarurwa), analysing curatorial decisions, spatial narratives and audience engagement strategies.
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Monday 17 March (Week 9, 3-5pm): Spring Blooming: Share artists and artworks related to spring.
In the spirit of the season, we will also explore Spring Blooming—a celebration of renewal, growth, and transformation in art. As nature awakens with vibrant colors and new life, we will reflect on how artists capture the essence of spring in their work. Whether through painting, photography, sculpture, or digital media, many artists have drawn inspiration from themes of rebirth, seasonal change, and the cyclical rhythms of nature.
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Friday, 28 March (Week 10, 3-5pm): Role play in curating
Our event featured a collective role-play debate exploring whether female-centred exhibitions should include male artists and audiences, while also questioning the appropriateness of exhibiting Anna Udenberg’s work. The discussion revealed the tension between promoting inclusivity and reserving dedicated space for marginalised voices.
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Saturday, 5 April (Week 11, 3-5pm): Problem Solving Session/ Collective and individual reflection
Curatorial projects encounter a variety of challenges – whether they are conceptual dilemmas, logistical hurdles, or problems with audience engagement. This session will be devoted to discussing specific issues and collectively brainstorming solutions.
Diverse Curatorial Voices
As part of our collective’s evolving research, several members are developing projects under distinct thematic umbrellas:
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The Mirror of Zhengzhou: Urban Memory in Transition – Peiyao Lyu
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Between Myth – Tianyi Chen
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Fading Moments: Art in the Flow of Time – Beini Cai
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Can Your Emotions Be Healed Through Art? – Yuge Dai
(https://www.gigseekr.com/uk/en/edinburgh/summerhall/venue/e8c)
(https://unsplash.com/photos/empty-hallway-3Ic5nzXzOf4)
(https://www.gigseekr.com/uk/en/edinburgh/summerhall/venue/e8c)
