During this particular brief, we were asked to create a final piece that illustrated an essence of the following themes: arrivals, departures, consumption, regeneration or pleasure seeking.
Upon researching the deeply historical site of Spitalfields, and observing the space in real time. I was able to gather visual information that represented the areas change through the years. The idea of regeneration really began to resonate with me.
Whilst dreaming up ideas for my final piece, I began to refer back to historical facts regarding the area. From that point, I began to see an almost story-like unfolding of events. Finally leading to my chosen format: A Chapbook.
As you can see, my final piece is unlike a typical Chapbook. It roars a sense of evolution, which is an idea I wanted to collaborate with my chosen theme of regeneration. Whilst envisaging my final outcome, I became fascinated by various Matisse cutouts. I love the idea of simplicity in shape and how dynamic several images can be in one composition. Matisse, in my opinion, was always ahead of his time, with a clear sense of evolution and regeneration of artistic practise playing strongly.
Whilst forming my pages, I wanted to start by telling the history of Spitalfields. Firstly by illustrating past links with the Arts and Crafts movement. Fuelled by the influx of French and Flemish settlers escaping religious persecution in their homeland.
The settlers were able to integrate their knowledge and skill of weaving into English industry. Soon enough, the area began to form a reputation of being the epicentre of weaving, a fine craftsmanship that commanded a wealth of desire at the time.
I felt it was very important to open the Chapbook with an illustrated representation of this time in history, as it has created a foundation for the market today.
Leading into the second page, I have created a spread that includes King Charles II. Charles was an extremely fundamental figure in the birth of Spitalfields market, as he allowed 'Flesh, Fowl and Roots' trade to commence in the area. He is complimented in composition, by a modern representation of a Fruit and Veg market vendor.
The third page begins to illustrate how entrenched in community Spitalfields was. During the war, copious amounts of market stall holders clubbed together and purchased a plane to help aid the war efforts on the home front. They named the plane 'Fruitation'.
Approaching the 4th and 5th pages, there is an obvious shift in imagery. Imagery that is focused on the idea of consuming products other than fruit and veg.
Since Spitalfields has undergone such a huge regeneration in recent years, the ideals of the market have also changed. No longer is it solely committed to selling food staples. The market now caters to the people that have helped to regenerate the area, an influx of the wealthy middle-class has progressed the idea of materialism and consuming products that are not entirely essential to our everyday lives.
Whilst observing the market in its real time appearance, you cant help but notice the clean cut steal lines of the markets structures, serving a purpose to house the abundance of items for sale, enticing each passer by.
In summary. My final piece serves as a bite-size historical overview of the area, creating links with its former and present identity. I hope I have achieved a sense of how regeneration comes into play, when an area slowly begins to develop in favour of attracting consumers rather than community.
