Tutorial - 09/05/2025

In this tutorial, I discussed with Jonathan my progress on my current project, the challenges I’m facing, and the logistical planning for the upcoming show.

Personal Updates:

• I’m planning to travel to London for the show, and my dad will accompany me for support.

• I shared that I’m still managing health challenges, including recovery from illness during my last trip to London, which has impacted my ability to work and participate fully.

Academic and Artistic Progress:

• I’ve been working on a large-scale map installation of my 'Transition Tube Map' representing the NHS Gender Care Pathway, created using tape in the car park at my dad's work.

• My idea was to recreate this map for the final show but on a slightly smaller scale, integrating both the generic NHS transition pathway map and my personal journey.

• Jonathan and I discussed the impracticalities of using polythene sheeting as a surface for the map, especially for a floor installation, due to safety concerns and aesthetic issues (e.g. creasing and slipperiness).

• Instead, Jonathan suggested using high-quality Fabriano paper, which I can prepare in advance, roll up, and easily install. This would allow me to create a clean, handmade aesthetic with my tape work, while reducing stress and logistical challenges.

• We talked about arranging the map on a wall (or a wall-floor transition) to maintain clarity, while also making it flexible and visually impactful.

• I mentioned the idea of integrating voice buttons at key points of the map to explain my story, but we concluded that a simple voiceover accompanying the video would be more powerful and manageable.

• The plan is to combine a wall-mounted map with a video of me creating and walking through the map in the car park, offering both a personal narrative and a visual spectacle.

• Jonathan and I discussed using handwritten notes or small quotes on the map to give further context, while ensuring the work isn’t overloaded with text.

Practical Considerations and Next Steps:

• I will order the Fabriano paper (1.5 metres wide by 10 metres long) and start creating the tape map in advance, to avoid last-minute stress.

• I plan to consider a vertical installation that could flow onto the floor, or a horizontal wall piece, and will decide based on the exhibition space.

• I’ll film a new version of the large-scale map in the car park, aiming for a seamless, powerful visual with potential conceptual links to ‘underground’ and ‘overground’ transitions.

• I need to check in with Jonathan about TV availability for the show, but we’re confident I’ll have access to one for the video component.

• I’ll also focus on integrating the visual, audio, and narrative elements of the project into a cohesive installation that tells my story and invites viewers to engage with the map.