Bunker Hotel, Nürnberg Dec 7 2006
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Nicola Atkinson.Davidson
WORKING HISTORY
My practice and experience extends over many years, and includes working in different countries, diverse cities and towns and with a wide variety of individuals. Having worked with Local Authorities, as well as with the private sector and non-governmental organizations, I have developed a style that is adaptable and flexible to allow me to fit within existing structures or to work largely unaided. I have often proposed an original idea and developed the concept through to a completed project. These experiences have enabled me to develop skills in engaging with the public and gathering and sifting large and diverse amounts of information. This has been done both, on my own, or within a small team. I enjoy collaborating with curators, artists, musicians, architects, writers and film-makers. I believe that I am able to present complex ideas to a wide range of groups, in terms of age and interests. I can design web sites, catalogues, posters, edit and master DVDs and work with architectural fabricators. I work in the media of painting, DVDs, photography, text, metal, wood, printed fabric and found objects....
I produce a framework of ideas which enables the public to see another view of the world. This is created by thoughts, questions and concepts, which challenge the safe and familiar cocoon within which each of us tries to embed ourselves. Gentle and educative interventions allow us to distort the everyday and see things anew. The process by which I arrive at a piece is based on the place, its history and culture. My work questions people's perception of their environment.
After graduating in Fine Art from Brighton University, my first
exhibition of video work, was in 'Second Link', an international
show at MoMA in New York. Exhibitions of paintings followed in Los
Angeles. By the late 1980's I was increasingly undertaking unique
projects in which the engagement in process altered people’s
perceptions, of both art and life.
I have undertaken artworks in Glasgow itself, notably 'Lost and Found' (From Govan to Springburn), and in New York, Lost Angeles, Karachi, Dublin, Havana, Bosnia & Herzegovina and across the UK. Each project aimed to be innovative, ambitious and meaningful for the participants and the public. Between 1997- 2001 I initiated and curated projects in Glasgow, through 'Bulkhead', seeking to genuinely interact with local communities and to support artists with national and international reputations in making new work and promoting art in unusual places.
In 2002 I was awarded a Nesta Fellowship to further explore my practice.
'Total Investigation' has enabled me to study public art practice
and to engage in dialogue with a wide range of people. Through undertaking
complex, project based works with communities around the world,
I have sought to contribute to the evolving practice and understanding
of public art - and its importance in redefining the role of art
in society. During this period, I am especially proud of 'Terrible
Beauty': working with immigrant families from Bosnia living in West
Bromwich, I sought, through a series of colour saturated watercolours
of root like structures, to create a new space which both recognised
their trauma while reflecting the strength of family ties - and
the hope that gives.
