Blog
Tim Webster's work: calming, mediative and hypnotising
artists
20 November 2010
I have been following Tim Webster's work for a few years now.
I generally find it difficult to give video or screen work time, and normally I do not stay and watch.
However, with Webster's work I am drawn in from the very start and am able to sit and appreciate. There are many factors that contribute to the success of Webster's work and I have tried to narrow down why it has always worked for me.
- Presentation – No matter where the work has been, back room at Seventh, first room at Blindside, or Screen Space Gilford Lane. Webster has always occupied the space on offer well. Webster's approach is professional and has he has always used appropriate materials and technical equipment.
- Technical standards – The work has always been of excellent quality and standard. I view many video works that lack excellent technical standards and it subtracts from the work instantly.
- Image – The use of repetition helps draw the viewer's eye into where we are. The overload is consuming and addictive. Within 5 seconds the viewer is engaged. I find this element to be incredible important to the success of the work.
- Sound – The sound is an important factor to the work and Webster manages to work the sound into the image, adding to the work rather than distracting.
Forever, For Later is the current show of Webster's showing at Screen Space and it is an excellent example of Webster's work. It is calming, mediative and hypnotising.
"Forty video screens in custom built frames, each containing a series of video loops, are arranged in the gallery as a three dimensional collage. Shot over three days in Brazil and Argentina, the work continues the artist's interrogation of time, memory and perception."
I wish Tim well on his travels back to Brazil and I look forward to the next body of work!
Screen Space – 30 Guildford Lane, Melbourne (view location on Google Maps)