Week 12
With the Summerhall residency and 11:11 collective drawing to a close, I want to look back and reflect on the time spent together both inside and outside of the space.
I want to begin by outlining some of the key features of how 11:11 aimed to think as a collective.
- Work collaboratively in order to hear new perspectives and learn from each other, while also understanding that sometimes it’s important that someone takes the lead in order to work efficiently.
- Maintain regular and efficient communication during meetings through paying attention, taking personal minutes, ensure equal contribution, and holding space for the differences in cultural expression,
- Take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the group: everyone comes with different skills and specialities, be sure to benefit from this.
With Joyfulness, Accessibility, Diversity, Inclusivity, Speculative, and respect all elements that featured on our manifesto, we got to work hosting various workshops within the collective space.
Our first meeting saw the group discuss what it is we wished to do with the space. As it was our first gathering outside of the ECA, we were giddy and slightly nervous. However, once ideas started flowing, the excitement was palpable as we realised the endless possibilities of the space.
Beichen took the lead for one of the workshops in which he directed us in using a software to create virtual exhibitions. This was a fun activity, with everyone involved creating their own virtual rooms. He took us on a tour around his space and showed us the intricacies of the website. It lead me to consider the possibilities for our SICPs, as it acts as a great tool for visualisation.
Unfortunately due to a long-awaited MRI in Ireland, I was unable to attend the flower arranging workshop. This was particularly disappointing seeing as it was my own idea. I thought of it as an ideal situation for self-expression to shine through, with each individual creating their own unique take on a flower bouquet. From what I heard, the evening was a great success with signs of the group feeling closer as a collective through flowing conversation and shared laughter.
Outside of the collective, I met with Sarah, Harry and Katie to organise an event titled ‘Gurrll Dinner’, which took inspiration from Judy Chicago’s Dinner Party. Taking place in Summerhall from 6.30-8.30pm, it involved a conceptual dinner party in which no food was available, ‘only conceptual consumption was permitted’. To set the scene, a table was set in the centre of the gallery, adorned with rocks, branches, and fresh flowers. Guests were invited to sit and enjoy the menu on offer.
Starter:
A performance by San Zhang, ‘Lobster in a China Shop’
Main Course:
‘Get Stuffed’: A thirty minute deconstruction of San’s performance during which guests were encouraged to respond artistically to the piece.
Dessert:
Theoretical Fruit Salad: A poetry reading by Harry, Sarah and I. We each chose a poem based on fruit. Harry read ‘Goblin Market’ by Christina Rossetti, Sarah read ‘The Orange’ by Wendy Cope, and I, ‘Blackberry Picking’ by Seamus Heaney.
The evening was enjoyed by all and proved to be a valuable learning experience when it came to curating an event and considering audience participation. The menus created by Harry have lead me to consider the graphic design for my own event, and the small group of people that came (12) made me realise that perhaps a microphone would not be necessary for my SICP.
