Visual Exploration Critical Review – Thought process

Before deciding on a subject, I explored various possibilities: https://catherinerouxillustrationdegree.uk/illustration-year-2/visual-exploration/visual-exploration-assignments/critical-review-proposal/.

In the end, I decided to look at the relationship between focus and exploration and how an artist can find the right balance between both. I chose that subject because I often wonder if I go too much in one direction or the other. I also thought that this was very relevant to this unit that is about exploration.

I submitted a proposal to my tutor where I explained that this was the theme I wanted to investigate. She suggested researching the work of two or three artists to understand their approach in that respect. I could see how it would enable me to study the subject more in depth if I followed her advice.

I looked at the work of artists, mainly illustrators, including Alex Green, Olivier Bonhomme, Lucinda Rogers, Hennie Haworth, Suhita Shirodkar and Christoph Niemann. At first, I found it very challenging to make a choice. I wondered how I would find out how they reach that balance between focus and exploration. I started looking at Instagram and their posts were sometimes very informative.

I chose to research further Suhita Shirodkar and Christoph Niemann. They have different styles and a different approach to exploration and I thought this would really help me to answer some questions I had on the subject.

I chose the title: How do Suhita Shirodkar and Christoph Niemann find a balance between experimentation and focus within their practice? How does this relate to my approach?

My research was divided in three main parts: a general research about the subject, so that I would know better what I was looking for, followed by an analysis of both artists’ work through interviews, their website and their Instagram posts.

I used my sketchbook to visualise my ideas better:

I then established a detailed plan and wrote the critical review.

I learned a lot from reflecting on my research and trying to understand how I could apply this to my own practice. I think that this will really help me to make better choices.