You only see what I want you to see… is a show by contemporary visual artist Chris Lister. The show symbolizes and comments on the concept of galleries controlling the art one sees within a gallery space.  It is important to note that this is in no way negative towards galleries, but rather states the facts about how the majority of art is shown around the world.  As an installation, the art engulfs the entire gallery structure and space, inviting the audience to interact and discover the artwork from an external/alienated perspective.

Metaphorically, the exhibit stands for the idea that everything is controlled. Whether it is in an art gallery, a social context, financial situation or government related, we are all part of a system in which we must contribute and fit into. It can also be perceived as a mock towards high art, and how artistically educated people involved with such projects are in control of what the masses see or experience, rather than just the artist or audience themselves.

Visual Statement

The artist of You only see what I want you to see… is mounting this show to increase the awareness of the public about the way in which artists and galleries control the audience through visual language.  This is achieved by manipulating/selecting the actual artwork, layout, interactivity, perspective, and direction of an exhibition.  The installation is an attempt to educate the public artistically and raise awareness of what art really stands for and asks the question “do we make art for money, fame or simply for art’s sake (which is so often lost in a capitalist society)”?

A central concept focuses on the notion that any artwork displayed in a gallery must be worthy of its place, and therefore “good art”.  The audience is taken on a sensory trip, which is reliant on the natural urge to see something “good” or “interesting” within the gallery space, only to be startled by not seeing art, but experiencing the artist’s situation (please see installation description).

The show will provide exposure on a regional, and international level for the artist involved.

About The Artist

Chris Lister is currently based here in Singapore.  Originally from the UK, he has exhibited in a variety of international cities including Frankfurt, London and Tokyo.

After experimenting in a wide range of traditional and digital media, and completing his MA at Camberwell College of Art, London, he is now focusing on conceptual based art projects.

Installation/Presentation

These core concepts are the heart of the installation.  In terms of visuals and set up, the Chapel Gallery will be where the work takes place.  Using industrial barrier tape, the gallery will be wrapped (about 5 times and only at eye level), appearing closed at the front door (with all windows closed).  The audience will be directed (by signs) to walk around to the back entrance (near the café) where they can enter the space.  There will be more tape covering the main hall entrance, and the audience will be able to look into the gallery through cut out holes of the barrier tape (it will not be possible to see the main space through other parts of the tape, as there will be no gaps).

Inside the center of the gallery space, there will be a chair and art materials including a canvas, brushes, cups, palettes – as though an artist has been at work and disturbed. The audiences will then react to the situation and leave comments in a guestbook (as this plays an important role in the work, in terms of seeing the emotional responses of the public).

Audio will be included in the installation.  This will be in the form of voices whispering the title of the work looped, creating a hypnotic and trance like atmosphere for the audience to engage with.

The installation also focuses on how the audience reacts and interacts with the experience, in the hope that the audience will ask questions about the validity of the installation.  Using these key concepts, the work should prove successful in its aims and objectives.