An Introduction to Field Notes
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fine print magazine presents FIELD NOTES, an exhibition reflecting on and reanimating the fine print archive and the heritage site of Sauerbier House, on Kaurna Yarta in Port Noarlunga.
Since 2015, fine print has been presenting thematic issues both online and live—each centered on a key concept in contemporary art practice. FIELD NOTES activates this archive with local, national and international artists taking inspiration from unfamiliar material to manifest responsive works that speak to current art practice and concerns.
FIELD NOTES explores the power of language and text—both written and spoken—in the creation and circulation of ideas and connections, in the preservation of tradition and memory, in truth-telling, and allowing us to see things as they are anew.
Unfolding across the lounge room, hallway and wash room of Sauerbier House from 8 May to 19 June 2021, Elyas Alavi (SA), Léuli Eshrāghi (NT), Raqs Media Collective (Ind) and Grace Marlow (SA) offer their contributions to this conversation through poetry, installation, moving image, photography and performance. The FIELD NOTES online presentation includes a sound response by Alycia Bennett & Florian Cinco (PHL/SA).
FIELD NOTES opened with a symposium focussed on archival practices, community engagement and the exploration of public sites. Examining the relationship between exhibition-making and community engagement this experimental forum sought to connect artistic practice with the greater concerns of people and public space whilst challenging models of presentation.
— Rayleen Forester and Joanna Kitto, fine print