Permutations Nos 1 to 5, 2025
PERMUTATION noun (singular):
Each of several possible ways in which a set or number of things can be ordered or arranged;
In mathematics the action of changing the arrangement, especially the linear order, of a set of items
The image shows five hand-pulled screen prints first made in October 2020 and now mounted and assembled as a single work – a collective effort involving people looking for connection across the UK, Europe and beyond.
The work is the outcome of a participative print project which I launched on Instagram during the Covid Pandemic lockdown in a bid to examine the effect of living with restrictions and to make some sort of connection with the outside world during a time of isolation. It was devised against the backdrop of unrelenting daily televised presentations of ever-shifting datasets and statistics via infographics put forward in the media as part of the scientists' analysis of the evolving Covid 19 pandemic. Hence the chosen format of a grid of dots. Together we were witnessing an evolving situation, looking for promising patterns in graphs and bar charts. I now regard this work as a small reflection and quasi-historical record of our collective experience of that time.
Each of the prints was made using the very specific methodology described below, a self-imposed restriction reflecting the mood of the time. Designed to invoke a spirit of community and sense of participation, it appealed for connection and co-operation in a project in which every participant's contribution affected the outcome, but no single participant (including the artist) controlled the outcome. Adherence to the rules and mutually beneficial co-operation lay at the heart of the process.
The methodology was as set out below:
1. Participants chose up to 7 numbers from a square grid of 64 numbered dots
2. Participants then listed their chosen numbers as a comment on the Instagram ‘Participate In Print’ post on my Instagram page. They were not required to disclose the reason (if any) for their choices
3. For each number chosen the corresponding dot was removed from the grid to the area below in a random position
4. If the same number was chosen again subsequently the dot was returned to the grid
5. If the same number was chosen yet again it was again removed from the grid, and so on
6. Thus, every selection of numbers made in comments was factored in to generate a new grid pattern
7. A new colour (of the artist's choosing) was introduced after every 10th participant commented with their chosen numbers
8. A limited edition print was made of the evolving grid design after every 10th comment, producing a 'snapshot' of the shifting pattern of dots
9. All participants were offered a handmade limited edition print at cost in exchange for their participation (but participated without any obligation to buy)
10. The balance of any prints remaining were offered for sale in the first instance as part of the Artist Support Pledge established during the lockdown period, a movement built on the notion that "Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much" (Helen Keller)
11. Participants could comment with number selections as many times as they wished to, but were limited to choosing a maximum of 7 numbers (it could be fewer) each time
The project found an international reach with participants getting involved across the UK, in Europe and even as far afield as Trinidad. Participants who purchased prints commented afterwards:
"I like having that connection through the numbers. It was nice to play a small part in an interesting process" and
"I really do feel a sense of community and participation. Looking at [the print] links me to the other (unknown but felt) people and to you and makes me feel good. Somehow a part of it and connected to the others" and
"My print arrived today. Such a lovely idea and very easy to participate and I'm loving looking at it and sensing the collaboration. It's hard to describe but is lovely"
You can see more of this work on Instagram HERE