Exciting new art!!!

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

The Defastenists' Second Annual International Exhibition is open from Tuesday 13th to Friday 16th of April 2004 in the Defastenist Movement HQ, 39 Reubens Square, Reubens Street, Dolphins Barn, Dublin 8. Come and experience the talents of Defastenist artists, film makers, writers and musicians, and discover what Defastenism is all about! A much-needed shot of life into the Irish Art world, we need your support to make this a success! We can guarantee you'll be glad you came.

geekstinkbreath

Excuse me for asking but, what is defastenism?
What's the concept behind it?
I'm intregued!

Achille

ah lads.

you've sold out.
whoring yourself to the mainstream media like this.

but im all for defastenism.
it's the shizznit.

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Well, I'll read you a few extracts from the Defastenist manifesto written by founder Gary Farelly, cos I just get confused when I try to explain it myself:

"Defasten: as in the opposite of fastening your seatbelt. Creative freedom.

Defastenation: I am fascinated my the oddest thoughts, memories and fantasies. I want to find out why my mind is preoccupied by these images, working with them as my subject matter. This satisfies me greatly. This is defastenism to me. All of us defasten in our own way.

...Frustrated at the lack of a forum to exchange ideas and experiences in the pluralist art world, defastenism is the name describing the energy and cross inspiration shared by members. We respect the Dadaists and situationists and wish to reconnect with the explosive momentum they bodied forth. We lament the decline of movements and isms in the post modern era. Defastenism is not a movement with a stylistic agenda or iron clad set of rules; all we strive for is honesty in our work, exploring how close to the bone we can actually go in the exploration of our lives and the ideas it generates."

It has been described, not in a negative way, as "selfish art", and I suppose you *could* say it's moving away from the kind of art whose artists are so obsessed with looking for a BIG original idea, or to make a BIG social comment, that they forget to express themselves, and look at things in a more close-up detailed way. Or maybe I'm talking ****e, I never can tell.

Anyway, thanks for showing interest! Do come along and join in the fun next week!

Achille, hello, I'm not sure who you are or if I'm supposed to know - you sound kinda like Rob, or Delo, but anyhoo... That's a good point you made. I'm sorry, I'm just really unprofessionally excited about it and I had to tell everyone! Besides, if I'm gonna tell someone, shouldn't it be the mainstream, rather than the snobby elitist (?spell?)types? Who knows.....

xo

geekstinkbreath

Originally posted by Achille
you've sold out.
whoring yourself to the mainstream media like this

I wasn't aware that this particular board was exactly 'mainstream'
Even if it was, spreading a new idea isnt my definition of selling out,
im all for the fight against ignorance.
After all isn't that what this board (phantom fm), all about?

Sorry, once you get me started on the 'selling out' rant, i find it hard to stop!

More to the point,
Defastenism sounds like an interesting concept. In a world where alot of artists (writers, musicians etc included) make social outcrys, (im not denying that its neccessary these days) it's nice to once to see a group exploring the surrealist thinking, but with the dadist nature of bringing art down to the human 'man on the street' level, perhaps.

I think people have trouble seeing art modern as an expression of self, and an exploration of the mind, but more as some unknown crazy statement.

And While its often easy to analize other people and the world, looking inwards is often the hardest. Well done for trying!

Anyway that's how I understand it from your manifesto.
(Sorry if it's wrong, I have a habit of missing the point!)

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Yes, that's it exactly! At least, that's the way I see it. I may have been a bit harsh on artists, musicians etc. who do want to make social statements/provoke thought and stuff - that kinda thing is necessary and important, it's true. But I reckon some artists are too busy looking for a shocking, thought-provoking thing to convey that they might forget to stop and think if they actually believe in what they're saying...or something.
Hmm and maybe us Defastenists are making a social outcry of sorts - that it's important not to underestimate the importance of your own thoughts, interests, situation, and such like. That noticing the random objects and happenings of everyday life can be just as amazing and life-enhancing as ...I dunno...bigger, more famous stuff. Urgh, but that all sounds a bit Seamus Heaney... (no offence to him, I'm sure he's great really, maybe the Leaving Cert just killed his poetry for me.)

Ayeayeaye I think I've had too much chocolate - I don't appear to be making much sense. Ooh, we're in the Independent today by the way! The Life section! Ooooh!

I'll come back when I know what I mean.

xo

p.s. Yes, selling out can be a bit hard to define, can't it?
p.p.s. Surrealists, yeah!

Achille

don't worry lads, my little contribution was meant only as an easter egg sized post with oodles of sarcasm sauce on top.

the inclusion of the word "mainstream" when describing this...eh, quaint, board was meant to make it clear that my sell-out comment was not serious.

still, a far cry from those free photocopied posters with the funny black lines across them.

beardedchicken

i heartily endorse this product/service!

not entirely sure i understand what it's about, but i'm always for anything that's different and new and tries to challenge the status quo, which it seems that defastenism tries to do. and besides, it's exciting to be around at the birth of a new movement, especially one that's starting in ireland, at that!!

geekstinkbreath

Wow I'm amazed i actually managed to not miss the point!

I think youre right helga about artists often trying too hard to make thought-provoking social statements, as im not to politically minded i find it all a bit boring, to be honest.
Its nice to see a refreshing outlook on artistic statements.

And achille, i kinda new you were just joking about 'selling out' and stuff, but like i said, once that topic comes into play, i find it hard to restrain myself! I suppose it happens when you're into punk!

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Yeeeeah! I'm incredibly sleep-deprived, so all I can say is that. And mmm....sarcasm sauce. And thanks to y'all for getting involved in the whole discussionymabob!Yeeeeah.... Some more coherent ramblings later perhaps xo

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Good news for all! The exhibition will continue until sunday night....by um....popular demand...<ahem>

N xo

geekstinkbreath

Yey, didnt get a chance to go see it during the week, so hurrah for popular demand!

karma kabbage

ARZE!!!!! Due to my *ahem* 'action-packed' schedule... I managed to misss this.... but didn't realise it until i had read all of the posts and become really interested!

Are there any on-going plans as this 'ism' reminds me of alot of issues I have given thought to in the course of my work..... why is it you can never talk about art with out sounding like a total p*nce!?!

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

I think talking about art has been made to seem poncey, been given a bad poncey name, by ponces who talk about art cos they wanna sound cool - but anyone who talks about anything just to sound cool and not because they actually are interested in it sounds poncey .......or maybe we are just ponces, at least maybe I am - you sound pretty cool

Well, the "Defastenist studio" is always fairly open-ish (in that it's the 2nd year print department in NCAD) for curious folk like yourself to have a peek and a wee discussion with the founders and members of the movement (though people have told us we're not allowed just *start* a movement) if you're not scared
Otherwise, our next exhibition might not be for a while, as they seem to be annual events. But if you can get hold of the Easter Sunday issue of the Independent, we're in that, and some Drogheda papers too

What kinda stuff in your work do we remind you of?

I think the key to de-poncifying art-talk might be bad grammar and the use of the words "stuff" and "things" alot.

Anyone make it to the exhibition? What did you think?

xo

geekstinkbreath

I think people percieve art-talking as being ponsey because it often seems like art is very airy-fairy, and people are put off by this and arts ability to let you see different sides of ordinary and non-sensical things. Hopefully people perusing this thread will not have thought this and realised that artists arn't that crazy and/or upper class!

Anyway, to admit the facts, due to my busy schedule too, (no really it was, and still is!!) i didnt make it to the exhibition, (boo says you, and after all my backing of the product/service!) well to be honest i didnt quite no how to find the place either.
Please have an exhibiton again soon!

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Yeah, I hope that too! I mean of course there are crazy and/or upper class artists, but there are them in all, well most, walks of life - it's just that the artists are more expressive about it, is all!

Don't worry, we plan to have many more defastenist events over the coming months - including Gary and Alex taking part in a charity exhibition - and I'll let you know aaaaall about them, cos you've been one of the most supportive of all the people i've told about this! Thankyou!

Also, did i mention you can send queries to secretdefastenistlocation@hotmail.com? I'm not sure if it's Gary or Alex or Seanan or who looks after it, but sure give it a try!

xo

geekstinkbreath

Thanks!:) just sounded like an interesting 'ism', and it was fun discussing it!

Keep us posted about more exhibitions, and feel free to pm me with any news/arty ramblings!

karma kabbage

What kinda stuff in your work do we remind you of?

Well to rephrase... it is the thought behind your work with which I can identify! I personally am not so concerned with the art of the 'big picture'. Everyone can interpret that... it is looking to the thoughts within and (similar to the surrealists) the land of the unconscious dreams which I often catch myself doing.

With regard to calling into NCAD to chat.... I would truly love to. But am indeed very scared!! :rolleyes: I'll be aroung for an interview on Tuesday (27th) so maybe I'll get up the courage?!

geekstinkbreath

Id also love to call into the ncad; but not so much that id be scared 'cause i kinda know the place, but more like id feel like a bit of a randomer strollin in, not quite sure who/what was looking for!
Hey, how about a defastenists open day! with balloons, and cake..

mmm....cake...

Ok maybe not quite with those, but still, its a thought.

karma kabbage

see above for cause of fear!!!

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Defastenist Open Day!!!!!!!! That's brilliant!

I'm gonna suggest that to Gary, I think he'd like the idea! ESPECIALLY with cake and balloons!!!!!

Don't be scared, you'll be grand once you get past the rabid hounds and the 40foot deep moat complete with piranhas.

I'll get back to you on the open day, but seriously, it's a small place, just ask where the print department is and look for Nessa in 2nd year. I don't be there on Wednesdays though - lectures. Tuesday 27th I will indeed be there, slaving away at my desk most probably, so come on in! It'll be an adventure!

xo

beardedchicken

whoa, whoa whoa there!
so what you're saying is that your name *isn't* helga? my entire belief system is hereby rocked to the core!

i know, i know, i should be studying, and not spamming boards. ok, ok, off i shuffle - just don't tell you know who.

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Oh you knew who I was all along, and don't you deny it! However, unbeknownst to many, Nessa is in fact my fake artist name, like a stage name kinda.

I wont tell you know who if you don't.

Helga xo

geekstinkbreath

Originally posted by HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid
Defastenist Open Day!!!!!!!! That's brilliant!

I'm gonna suggest that to Gary, I think he'd like the idea! ESPECIALLY with cake and balloons!!!!!

Why thank you, im quite proud of that idea now!
Anyway, if there is a problem with getting room/permission for it etc,
we could all just meet up in the pub!

Wir_Sind_Helden

em, will they let you bring cake and balloons into the pub? Or paintings of un-fastened seatbelts, for that matter?

Wait I might have got this wrong...

geekstinkbreath

Hey dont knock my fantabulous idea "Wir_Sind_Helden", if that is your real name...

Yet again you manage to 'cheapen' the tone of the conversation:p
(And I knew my blondness/missing the point would eventually get around to you!)

Wir_Sind_Helden

Well, yes in fact it is my real name. And even if there was an open day, you would'nt be allowed in 'caus you'd just flick elastics around, and eat all the cake. And pop the balloons. And fart.

(P.S that wasnt a blonde moment, *ppfft* no way! Just a momentary loss of..thing...what was I saying?)

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Hello I have returned!

The suggestion of an open day was met with great enthusiasm and joy and stuff, and we'll work on it as soon as our assessments are over!

Meanwhile, take a look at this!!!!!!!!

www.defastenism.4t.com

Wowwwwwwwwww, i just saw it for the first time today, i was so impressed!

xo

Wir_Sind_Helden

nice....
Yes, I read your Manafesto
And put it to the test-o

Nah, the whole thing looks pretty cool, but I'm still kinda on the fence.

I think maybe , a little cake and balloons , would tip me over the edge though...

geekstinkbreath

Hey again! checked out the website, it looks cool, well done!
now which picture is of you helga?!

Jst tryed to sign your guestbook, but it gave a msg sayin that it isnt installed properly, might want to check that out

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Yes, cake and balloons can be very persuasive alright....

If anyone has any other ideas to add to the cake and balloons defastenist open day please suggest away!

Fraid I didn't design the website, Gary did, so I'll let him know about its various flaws, such as the guestbook not working, and the fact that there are no pictures of me, not even a mention, and after I painted the whole goshdarn "gallery"!!!!!! They say I'm their favourite Defastenist after themselves, but sometimes I'm not so sure...

Ah no, there will be pictures of my work up soon, Gary just wanted to ask me which ones I wanted to put in. You can see my book in the background of the picture of Alex though!

Hmm...

xo

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Heylo!

There have been some new and exciting changes made to the defastenist website, including news and information about defastenist events and exhibitions, a ...really random catalog page...im just looking at it now... , and pictures of me and my work at last hehe

Have fun!

Nxo

rueyn

is really quite good!

Defastenism website.


-rueyn.

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

Thankyou Rueyn! Do you do art stuff too?

The Defastenists have recently become associated with (?correct phrase?) an American remodernist group called the Stuckists whose manifesto is very similar to our own.

www.stuckism.com

Also, I will most probably be exhibiting some of my prints,most of which I would class as defastenist, at an open-air exhibition at Airfield House, Dundrum on the 26th and 27th of June. This will give any of ye who are interested a chance to see some defastenist, if not very good quality, work close up

The open day plan will probably have to be put on hold til we're back in college, but I believe Gary's going to be hosting another exhibition in Paris during the summer. Keep your eyes on the website if you're gonna be over there.

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

"a willingness..... to risk offence by unexpected confrontation can yield rewards"
- Sir Nicholas Serota (Experience or Interpretation)

SEROTA TELLS OFF THE STUCKISTS
An angry Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of the Tate Gallery, rounded on Stuckist co-founder, Charles Thomson, in Trafalgar Square today.

A few minutes earlier Rachel Whiteread's 'sculpture' of a resin cast of a plinth placed upside-down on a plinth had been unveiled by Culture Secretary, Chris Smith.

As Smith left the low podium, Thomson clambered over the crowd barrier onto it and addressed the crowd through the p.a. His statement addressed Smith's statement two years ago that there should be more painting in the Turner Prize (this year there is none at all).

Thomson's large placard read: "Mr Smith, do you really think this stupid plinth is art?"

Simultaneously, more banners were held up by half a dozen members of Students for Stuckism (led by S.P.
Howarth) and other groups. One read, "New Labour, Old Saatchi". Another showed Thomson's painting of Sir Nicholas with a pair of red knickers.

A livid Serota approached Thomson afterwards and labelled his action as "cheap" for making use of the work of another artist. "It's Dada," was the reply. Serota, seemingly on the point of meltdown, suggested Thomson thought he could do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted.

Thomson said this was not the case, but that Serota and a small number of other people controlled the art world, and that the Stuckists were forced to resort to such tactics in order to get their point of view heard - at which Serota walked off.

The Stuckists understand that Sir Nicholas Serota is a strong advocate of artists being 'challenging' and wonder where we have gone wrong. The wrong sort of challenge perhaps?

04 June 2001 back to top

HelgaTheSwedishMilkmaid

It has been confirmed:

I will be exhibiting Defastenist prints at the Open-Air Exhibition at Airfield House, Dundrum this weekend (26-27 june)! It's part of the Dundrum festival! I can't wait! Hoorah!

Don't forget the website www.defastenism.4t.com - there's gonna be exhibitions in Paris and New York soon!

Please excuse the blatant self-promotion

xo