Bryony Gillard

Summary of Practice

Situated somewhere between sculpture, performance and event; Gillard’s practice draws upon common social forms of interaction or traditional customs, often celebrations, sports and games. She is interested in exploring the role of social archetypes in these situations – Winner/Loser and Referee, Teacher/Student, Parent/Child.
Often working in collaboration with artists or with social groups, physical participation is integral to the work. Gillard explores the idea of camaraderie and how art can bring people together.

Nail Art

Between 12 and 3pm on 21st August, members of the public will be invited to have their nails manicured in the style of one of four famous artworks. Amanda Carey, a locally based nail artist will create the participant’s chosen style, and instead of purely performing a service, she will discuss the specific artist’s work with the participant.
The activity aims to explore the divide between ‘high’ and ‘low’ art, inversions of hierarchies and the translation, transference and value of knowledge.
The participant will not only leave the activity physically altered, but will have contributed to an ongoing conversation about the artists chosen for the designs. These designs combine the visual languages of Art and the cult craft of ‘Nail Art’ and also pose the question of the role of the Artisan within contemporary society. The hierarchy between the client (participant) and technician is reversed, as the technician provides the additional role or service of instructor.

Biography

Bryony Gillard is an artist and curator based in the southwest.
She is a Director of Project Space 11 – the first artist-led space in Plymouth. Earlier this year she was selected as PVAC Associate Artist for Plymouth College of Art and supports her practice by working as Programme Assistant at Plymouth Arts Centre.
Recent projects include a residency during Transition at The Exchange, Cornwall, a curatorial project – Take Place at Spacex, Exeter, a performance lecture for ‘Free School. Lecture Hall’, East London and later this year an exhibition, The Sutton Youth Initiative at The Gallery, Plymouth College of Art.

Links

Artist Blog