Approved: 09.07.2012

Alan Baker

Artist, Curator, Technician

Approved: 09.07.2012

My work is concerned with issues surrounding the interrelationship of human and animal realms. Utilising methods of sculpture and drawing, I explore the notion of ‘animal as artist/maker’ and how different species might shape, frame and make space in our everyday urban environments. As human beings, we seem to believe that our urban environments are ours, but in actuality, these spaces are a much more complex settings, involving many species. 

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Artist Statement

My work is concerned with issues surrounding the interrelationship of human and animal realms. Utilising methods of sculpture and drawing, I explore the notion of ‘animal as artist/maker’ and how different species might shape, frame and make space in our everyday urban environments. As human beings, we seem to believe that our urban environments are ours, but in actuality, these spaces are a much more complex settings, involving many species. 

As a starting point, I often exploit found material and construct sculptural works based on the histories and evolution of animal trapping, a process carried out for a variety of reasons whether for food and fur or for pest control or taxidermy. These works are often unstable, on the edge of falling apart. Drawing from the sculptures highlights these moments of temporality, presenting a juxtaposition of social phenomena. 

The drawing offers an examination of these structural forms and considers the “boundaries of what it means to be human rather than animal” (O’Reilly 2009), addressing questions associated with the residual traces left by animals, considering the space animals inhabit. The practice aims to explore and examine this dilemma, simultaneously highlighting our own human fragilities. The works imagine and present spaces for co-existence, social situations for encounters between species.

CV & Education

Education

2012-2013    MA Fine Art, Manchester Metropolitan University

2009-2012    BA (Hons) Contemporary Art, University of                                                      Huddersfield (1st class degree)

2008-2009    Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Telford College of

                       Art and Technology (Distinction)

2006-2008    BTEC Art and Design, Telford College (Distinction)

2005-2006    Foundation Degree in Art and Design, Telford Collage of

                       Art and Technology.  (Distinction)

?Grants and Awards

2022.            Warrington Open, Warrington Art Gallery, (Shortlisted)         

2016             GM Arts Prize, Elliot House, Manchester (Shortlisted)

2014             The Great Art Award, Nottingham Castle Open, Nottingham

?Solo Exhibitions

2018             The Line Between, Solo Exhibition,  Abingdon Studios, Blackpool

2017             Trap and Snare, Solo Exhibition, Blackpool and The Flyde College, Blackpool.

?Group Exhibitions

2022             Warrington Open Exhibition, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, Warrington 

2020             Manchester Open Exhibition, Home, Manchester

2019             All Work and All Play, AIR Gallery, Altrincham

2017             The Beginning, Group show with UKYA, National Assembly

                      of the republic of Korea

2017             Strange Lands, Collyer Bristow Gallery, London

2017             MAKE/SHIFT, AIR Gallery, Altrincham

2016             UKYA Festival, Derby.

2016             private:PUBLIC,  35 Chapel Walk, Sheffield

2016             Greater Manchester Art Prize, Elliot House, Deansgate,

                      Manchester.

2016             Waterside Open, Waterside Art Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza,

                      Sale.

2015             Outside The Box, 6 George Street, Altrincham.

2015             Bankley Open Exhibition, Bankley Street, Levenhulme,

                      Manchester.

2015             Shelf Life, PS Mirabel, 14 - 20 Mirabel Street, Manchester.

2015             Neo: art prize, neo:gallery22, The Market Place, Bolton.

2015             Altrincham Open Exhibition, 82-84 George St, Altrincham .

2014             Nottingham Castle Open Exhibition, Nottingham Castle,

                      Casple PI, Nottingham.

2014             Everyday Illusions, PAPER Gallery, 14 - 20 Mirabel Street,

                      Manchester.

2014             The Granary Art Gallery, Weston Park, Weston-under-

                      Lizard, Shifnal.

2013             What? Now!, Manchester Metropolitan University School of

                      Art, Manchester.

2012             Oil, Grease and Rubber, Unit 4B Piccadilly Place,

                      Manchester. 

2012             This is how you stand correctly, Vyner Street Gallery, Vyner

                      Street, London. 

2012             This is how you stand correctly, University of Huddersfield,

                      Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

2011             I Presume, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West

                      Yorkshire Degree shows. 

Publications

2015             Outside the Box Exhibition Catalogue

2015             Neo:Art prize Exhibition Catalogue

2012             How you stand correctly, Exhibition Catalogue

?Others

2015             Roller Gallery Online Exhibition, Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.