I had a dream last night where I was working with architects on new work. I had a piece in mind by Gerhardt Richter. A glass sculptural piece ‘11 Scheiben (886-5)’ was the one. The glass obscures, the depth of the glass hides some details and brings others to the foreground. The idea I had was to use the glass to obscure a painting. I was to submit it for assessment. I tried to call an old architect friend who I haven’t spoken to in years. I was travelling probably in Melbourne. I was on a bus heading into the countryside when I realised I had to stay in the city and turn back. My phone was difficult to use. It was hard to find people’s phone numbers. The mobile was a more obscure computer with quirks than the usual mobile phone. It was hard to find the relevant number. Eventually we spoke about the idea. I don’t know if the idea was resolved because I soon woke up.
What I found interesting was the desire to obscure the painting. That fits with some of my old interests from art school. Also the fact that I am a bit out of the loop when it comes to keeping in touch with friends. I find keeping in touch difficult because of my own quirks. I tend to vague out and get lost in my own world. Also people will think it is all too hard to deal with artists anyway. It kind of highlighted that I have lost some connection. Writing for me was always a way to reconnect. I woke up and realised writing is quite relevant for me as it gives an opportunity to reconnect that I need. When I was waking up I also realised that many graffiti artists don’t see the potential to expand their practice and work with people from other fields. UNSW for example is looking at connecting, art, design, architecture and other fields to make new areas for research. I read about that the other day and I suppose it has sunk in now. There is a lot of potential crossing the boundaries of art into architecture. I suppose Frank Stella is an obvious case of art and architecture where Richter is a more subtle form of architectural elements coming into art practice.
“When I start. The answer comes by working. My dream is to close the door and paint. It will happen. It will come.” Gerhardt Richter

