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This is what drew us to Kunstmatrix, a German software offering, which allows you to show 3D work in a couple of ways: either using normal photography or 3D models of the pieces.
I am sure this latter technique of 3D modelling will eventually be accessible to all, but at present, it is not, requiring either specialist technology or photography skills and specific software which would be out of reach or, at best, a technological step too far for most of us.
Whilst we did have one young volunteer try his hand at producing a 3D model of a work, it soon became clear that, in order to get a show off the ground, this had to go in the “too difficult” bucket and thus the ability to use our members’ photography as the basis for the show was paramount.
The reasons for rejection would only ever be: too much of a similar thing; something badly made; or if it was shown in the same space in the last 5 years.
For example: if we were to have a selection of 40% bronze resin, 25% wood, 20% metal work and 15 % cast bronze you would end up with a brown exhibition. In the same vein you don’t want to end up with 65% animals with a few human and abstract forms thrown in.
Attractive curating starts with the right selection. I am very proud of the fact that the SSS adheres to a selection process that holds inclusivity in mind and discards ‘personal taste’ as a criteria.
This allows our emerging artists to exhibit alongside our professional artists which creates a superbly fertile ground for a thriving art society, something we have proven for over 26 years now.
What I love about the indoor SSS exhibitions is that we allow 2D work to be exhibited, as long as it is made by our members. This decision, made back in 2015, enhanced the indoor exhibitions in colour and dimension and provided so much more room for strengthening the language of all the work.
The selection of 2D work is only done with the selected 3D pieces in mind, after all we are a Society of sculptors and the 3D work always has centre stage.
If We Conntect by Mehran Ghahari
Song Thrush by Lynnette Merrick