Angus Wolf
ANGUS WOLF
Residency Period – August 2018
Angus Wolf makes work that queries the demarcation of fine art from other skilled disciplines, or crafts. To assess this he draws comparisons between, and then makes hybrids of, objects made by artists and those made by craftsmen. His work is an exploration and promotion of the visual, technical and conceptual similarities he discovers.
Craftsmanship is poorly understood if demeaned and deduced to manual skill. According to sociologist Richard Sennet, by definition a craft is (like art), skilled work, the act of doing a job well for its own sake and the act of simultaneous problem solving and problem making. By making particular comparisons between art history and craftsmanship Wolf is able to promote the exploits of the craftsman, and break down the art/ craft divide.
In particular Wolf investigates non-traditional craftsmen that do not fit the immediately conjured image – a bag weaver, potter or glass blower, but instead examines the work of chefs, laboratory technicians, gardeners and television engineers. By looking at all manner of different crafts and skills his work is broadened and he is able to challenge the various binaries and biases that have been created or are supported by the art/craft hierarchy.
During his residency Angus will be working on a series of woodblock prints relating to Oliver Byrne’s 19th century interpretation of the Elements of Euclid.
Angus Wolf (b.1988, Bristol, UK) is an artist living and and working in Glasgow. Previous exhibitions include: Institut für ales möglich, Berlin; LoBe, Berlin; Brody house, Budapest; The Lombard Method, Birmingham and Spike Island, Bristol.
