(This was written
to accompany a present at a Sint Erklas party, a traditional Duch celebration
which requires guests to give eachother gifts appropriate to their personalities.
I had to give a gift to a friend who curates art exhibitions. I thought a 'colour
by numbers' set from a charity shop was very appropriate, but it just needed
a little extra touch...)
CREATE AND COLOUR (2004)
Alexandra Taylor (1973-)
Mixed media
This little known work has achieved cult status amongst devotees and is the
artist's most famous work.
Using a blend of paper, card and felt tip pen, this 'Create and Colour' seeks
to involve the audience in its construction, to inspire an unlimited creative
process. This is reinforced by the choice of pictures provided - rural scenes
representing the limitlessness and freedom of space and nature.
However, this freedom is an illusion. The creativity promised by the work is,
on closer inspection, tightly controlled. The natural scenes are given and unalterable,
the palette is limited and the work is accompanied by strict instructions as
to how the art should be created. The whole work is captured, restricted and
presented in a rigid box. The tools presented are those of childhood and replicate
the nursery activities of filling given shapes with prescribed colours and cutting
and sticking paper and card.
In this way, the artist asks us to question our modern, adult concepts of freedom
and creative expression. Our technologically advanced age encourages us to believe
that we can choose where to live, how to make a living and how we live our lives,
and that these choices are limitless. This work is a sharp reminder that our
minds can never escape the boxes and instructions of our childhood.