This is a live online lecture which explores the background research material to the formulation of two new artist bookworks made at the end of 2023, beginning of 2024. The talk describes the use of research material, historical records, maps and aerial photography and the importance broadcast media has on the shaping of our awareness of socio-political reportage and discusses the level of exposure to graphic imagery on primetime television broadcasts.

This short lecture was arranged as part of the Lunchtime Talks organised by the University of West of England and the Centre for Fine Print Research, Bristol. It discusses the use of historical source material and the technology of warfare under Roman occupation in contrast to current military hardware and defence and the extent to which media broadcasting and tv documentary programming manifests this to the audience. These artworks document the process of this exposure by capturing footage of live 'strikes' on military targets and slowing them down into a published book/artefact where the viewer controls the speed with which they witness the scene unfold. The research question is 'How much is too much?.

Mick McGraw artist's lunchtime talk on Zoom, Weds 31st July 12.45 - 1.15, link to join below.

All welcome, feel free to share:

McGraw lives and works between Argyll and Glasgow.

He is the Programme Leader for the Master of Letters in Fine Art Practice Programme (MLitt) at Glasgow School of Art.

Using printmaking, photography, sculpture and artist bookworks, his practice investigates issues related to land use, focussing on our industrial/social integration with land/space. This investigation is linked to an extensive analysis of social, political and historical findings allied, and at times, in opposition to, technological acceleration and advancement.

Mick will talk about his two new artists' books which are currently on display in his solo show at Bower Ashton Library:

Lilia
The Roman occupation of the UK and Scotland has intrigued me for many years, particularly their ingenuity in infrastructure and the defensive mechanisms they employed.

Bang, bang, you’re dead
Another war, different technology, same outcome. More media information and de-sensitisation of the viewer, where we are slowly subjected to witness the atrocities of war, death, displacement, famine. The title comes from children’s games when I was growing up, 70s TV showing a mixture of Cold War news and cowboy films.

The exhibition is open to the public Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm, until Tuesday 3rd September 2024. For more information visit: https://www.bookarts.uwe.ac.uk/mickmcgraw/

Mick's website can be found at: https://www.mickmcgraw.com

Recording of lecture on zoom-

https://uwe-ac-uk.zoom.us/rec/share/KnMwU_ntbFTMHz3qVhVAJUbq8juwrio3FC4ex-QgUoOLn_aTuTYkBLCC7wK0wWLI._udqF1J2FPUFSKhx

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