Tate Modern- final open evening 25 July 2005

I had a long time at Tate modern Final Event- open evening. I went to Tate Modern in the afternoon to rehearse presentations in the Landscape Suite from 3 to 6pm. Because had to match with the British Sign Language interpreter who did simultaneous signing while I gave the presentation. I chose three paintings; they were Monet’s water lilies and Pollock’s summer times and Yellow Islands. The two artists are very different, but similar, for example, the oriental idea and space, also related to the state of mind and emotional life of the artists.

They chose people with an interest and influence in the field of Deaf and disabled art and people from different galleries and museums. There were over 60 people. I was impressed because I saw 2 people lip-reading the interpreter. Their lip-reading was quite clear and slowly, careful they say about S.K…etc…

5 students give presentations. My turn was number 3. ^___^

In the evening there was a drinks reception in the concourse, with a free bar, I wanted to drink red wine, but I could not, because I didn't want be drunk when I give the presentation. So I drank 3 glasses of lemon water to make me calm down.

After number first and second students' talk, it was my turn… I smiled to them, said welcome to Tate Modern, my name is Kai, come and follow me….I had to wait until all the people had sat down, then started to talk about Monet’s water lilies. I asked them, what they could see the surface from this painting, and gave the people time to look at the pictures. Anyway, I know it did not make things easy for me, because I could not imagine the kind of questions that would be asked. But I was faced with them then they prompted me to think about how to answer them, but I was right about getting more confidence.

What a drama, Tate Modern opened 5 years ago, I saw Pollock’s paintings, I hate them, because I think “ A child of five could do that”, now I choose his 2 paintings to talk, he is my favorite artist.

After my talks, they shook my hands. I felt I did not give a good presentation, because I did not say all that I intended, and felt that my British Sign Language was a mess. During the drinks reception a lot people come to say, 'wow', someone said he was impressed by my presentation - very brave - and that my talk and my British Sign Language was very clear. He said he wanted to book my service…etc. I still respond to say thank you, hope you come to see my art talk in the future. Funny that I got almost drunk with three glasses of red wine! It's funny that I had been talking about Pollock’s problem with alcohol drinks. ^___^ Big smile!

I recalled my first time-presentation 5 months ago. I was very nervous, and my hands and legs shook. I talked too fast with my hands, because I wanted to finish early. Now I think it is very different. I have learnt a lot. Not only learn art history and to be a gallery guide, but also I learnt how to mix socially.

Tate Modern:

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/

© Sheng-Kai Chou 2006