Ms Polly Macpherson

Research interests

MAPPING - JOURNEY - MOVEMENT

My research comes under the themes of Mapping, Journey and Movement. 
I am interested in the different ways in which this theme can be presented, organized and structured to create both cohesive pieces of visual composition as well as strengthening the original identity of the individual components. 
There are a variety of different ways in which I have successfully executed these ideas through the mixing of materials (e.g. clay & combustibles), sound investigation & film/stills to produce objects, drawings and images.

www.pollymacpherson.co.uk.

Other research

Creative practice & artistic projects

Things-MeaningsCastle Drogo

2013/14

The primary aim of this project was to develop a small number of prototype objects to be used by visitors to the National Trust property Castle Drogo so to enhance the visiting experience.
The early development happened before the Castle engaged in major building renovations and was then put on hold for a considerable time while renovation funding was confirmed and renovations started. 

The project has had to be re-developed with the new emphasise of enhancing the visiting experience whilst the building renovations are happening. It is estimated that the building work will take at least 5 years to complete.
The aim is for the objects to engage the visitors senses so to have a full embodied encounter with the materials of the site.This is of particular relevance as materials are deconstructed and exposed during the period of the large-scale renovation. The objects are being design to provoke, enable and encourage a coherent sequence of sensations.

Artist in Residency - The Devon & Exeter Institute, Exeter 
In November 2009 Dr Simon Persighetti and myself were successful in having our Artists in Residence proposal accepted by The DEI in Exeter. Under the heading of 'The Backs' the first investigative section of the proposal focuses around acting more like forensic scientists than artists and excavating like archaeologists rather than delving into the books. We are reading into the very fabric and material of the building which is where the title of the ―The Backs comes from dealing with the spines of the books as well as the hidden spaces behind the books

- ‘Cupola’ Film showing, Pairings conference,Manchester Met. Uni. - May '11     

- Presenting 'THE BACKS', exhibition atThe Devon & Exeter Institution, Exeter - Dec. '10      

- Academic Paper ‘Reading THE BACKS’,Creativity & Place conference, Exeter University, Geography Department - June '10    

- ‘Cupola’ Film Spacex Contemporary ArtGallery, Film Spring Screen’10 - April'10    

Other Recent Creative Works:

- ‘Cabinet’, Peninsula Arts Gallery,Plymouth  - Exhibition May '11           

- Work in Progress Exhibition &Screening, The Devon and Exeter Institution, Exeter. Exhibition Dec. '10      

- Drawing Research Network AnnualConference “Observation, Mapping, Dialogue "Poster University of Brighton- Winner of 2010 Conference Poster Prize - Exhibition Sept.'10   

- Ambulation Exhibition, PlymouthArts Centre
Artists:ad:HOC, Bridgette Ashton, Tim Brennan, Simon Persighetti and TonyWhitehead, Phil Smith and Polly Macpherson, Architecture Centre Devon andCornwall . Ambulation was an exhibition, series of events, films and new commissions by artists and architects who use walking as an artistic practice. ExhibitionAug-Oct.'10    

- Renewal & Regeneration’, Thelma Hulbert Gallery - Exhibition July '10    

- The Purpose of Drawing, The CubeGallery - Exhibition June '10    

Additional Creative Works:    
http://www.pollymacpherson.co.uk

Research groups

• Culture, Theory, Space
• Design Knowledge
• Land/Water and the Visual Arts