Final Evaluation in the Exhibition-FMP

Final Evaluation in the Exhibition

The exhibition went really well, and it felt great to see all the hard work come together. It was exciting to show ‘Memory Layers’ in a finished space, surrounded by other creative work. Seeing my piece hanging properly with the perspex layers in place made me feel proud of what I had achieved. The clear perspex allowed the photo of Gipsy Hill to both be noticed and obscured at the same time, just like real memories that are not clear. I was happy with the overall look of the display, however, there wasn’t much natural light, so I decided to use a couple of spotlights. This really allowed my perspex layers to pop, as the edges started to glow pink and purple colours from the screen printing. It was really magical.

People responded well to my work. A couple said they recognised the photograph of Gipsy Hill and felt a connection to the theme and place and how it's interesting that certain streets or landmarks can hold meaning and memories. I had a few comments about how personal and emotional it felt, which also meant a lot to me because that’s what I wanted to get across. Some viewers said they liked how the layers told a story and how the mix of old memories and new ones, like including my children, made it feel real and honest. Others said they enjoyed the soft colours and the way the layers seemed to float and glow in front of the photo.

I received such a positive reaction from people. Strangers were coming up to me, asking if I was Carmen, and saying how much they loved my work. A few said it made them feel emotional and that it reminded them of their own childhood or their own connections to place. One person said it felt like they were walking through the work, as if the layers were pulling them in. That meant so much to me, because I wanted the piece to feel like a journey through memory.

I’ve noticed a pattern of repetition in my work, which is great, both with the themes and materials. I enjoy working with stories, especially personal ones, and showing how moments from the past still live with us. That’s what ‘Memory Layers’ is really about. I also learnt that I need to have more self-confidence when it comes to my art. I often rely on feedback from my tutor to feel like my work is good enough, but this experience showed me that people outside of the classroom really connected with it. Their reaction reminded me to trust my ideas and not always wait for validation.

There were moments that were stressful, like working on two projects at once and running out of cyanotype mix for a separate piece I couldn’t finish. But I’m proud of how I problem-solved and kept going. I also put a lot into my previous piece, ‘Walk With Me’, which is now also part of the show. I’m so happy it’s being displayed, because it connects to ‘Memory Layers’ and helps tell the bigger story of my journey as an artist.

Overall, this exhibition has been a turning point. I learnt about myself that this is the kind of work I want to make and it showed me that people can really connect with honest, emotional art. I’m leaving this project feeling proud, more confident, and ready to keep creating.

These are some photos from our launch night of people in my space.