Space as a visited place of unification : the cognitive and creative use of word play

Concrete' or 'visual' poetry uses the shape of the words themselves to add to or create meanings in addition to the textual content. Words can both unite and divide and b allowing multiple readings, interaction and creative involvement sets the stage for a most intriguing activity - the creation of multiple meanings. The exhibition consisted of twenty four pieces each with four groups of four-letter words. These words can be read both vertically and horizontally; the complexities of reading meaning from the four explicitly different words containing their own intrinsic ideas allows us the ultimate engagement with art - it is what we think it is. In reading Concrete Poetry the questions - 'what do you mean?' and 'what do I understand?' are paramount. This sharing and involvement with the process of understanding and interpretation at the exhibition adds to each visitors' own creative spirit of place, of time and of narrative. Concrete Poetry offers us a playful and engaging format accessible to children, young adults and the general public that links the visual to the aural experience. While many find their first engagement with art or creative work as complex or inaccessible; the use of game-playing allows the visitor to both engage and become part of the creative process. The exhibition, which ran from 30 September ' 20 November 2008 included floor talks from the artist.