WHEN THE WORK WORKS
In a utilitarian sense, the notion of working is often a matter of how effectively or efficiently something does its job, fulfills the function for which it was designed. The measure of success is in relation to an expectation known. When or how the work of art works is not so easy to pin down, since its success rests in part on bringing about the rupture of the unexpected, something recognisably unrecognisable. At best, art generates more than, conditions for the shimmering of things at their most vibrant or alive. Vivid — from vivere, to live, a measure of intensity. Emergent autonomy — the materialisation or manifestation of new life. Be watchful then, remain alert, since the unrecognisable is easily mistaken, easily missed. The line between the work working and not working can be painfully thin. Not working can result from both excessive risk and over-cautiousness, too much and not enough. For some practices, the moment when the work works signals time to stop, the point at which it is finished and complete. Hold off, step back, do not overdo. For time-based practices, the moment of the work working can often seem fleeting since it is not captured in a stable material form. It must be found again, again; indeed, it might not work so well next time.
From Emma Cocker, How Do You Do? (Nottingham: Beam Editions, 2023)