EXERCISE 2 - Invasion

In this exercise you are asked to invade a domestic space with elements that are foreign to it. You will
build up a quantity of materials to develop an installation that aims at subverting the use of a familiar
environment.

• A house is a purpose built space and the objects in it, whether functional or ornamental, fit the use, function and understanding that we have of what constitutes a domestic space. For this exercise you need to choose a room in your house and start by making notes in your visual diary about the role and function of that room. Who uses this room? What is it used for? What role do the objects in it serve?
• Bring a minimum of 20 different objects into the space- these will be objects that are not normally associated with the domestic space. For example bring in a shopping trolley, a boulder, cardboard boxes, farm animals, car parts, etc. Make some observations about how each of the objects affects the space.
• Of the objets that you have tested which has been most effective in subverting the use of the space? Does the object look incongruous in the space? Is it humorous to see that object in a domestic setting? Does the presence of the object in a room in a house seem ridiculous? Does the introduction of the object in the space make you question what the room may be used for?
• Decide on one object or a type of object (for example you can choose car parts or garden equipment or packing material) and build up a quantity of them to bring into the space. The amount will depend on the size of the space that you are working with but you must ensure that you have enough to create an installation that changes the space substantially.
• Take all the material into the space and test out various formations and placements. Look at using floor, wall and ceiling space, use shelves and ledges – test out various options. Are the objects going to be placed formally or randomly in the space, i.e. will you place the objects in a grid, scatter them through the space or pile them in the centre of the floor? Consider how a viewer can move through the space and how they may interact with the work. Document each of the formations and be sure to try a number of different approaches before deciding on a final outcome.
• Finalise your work and document the resolved installation. Provide between 5 & 8 images showing an overall view of the piece plus some detail shots. Write a brief comment on how you think the installation works to invade the space and subvert its use.

Online Activity:
Post your observations and thoughts about the outcomes of your installation including an image of the final work on the discussion board.
Things to consider
It is important for you to focus on invading and subverting the space rather than creating an obstruction in the space as you did in the first exercise.