Introduction
Pulled Up is a blog by Emma Balkind.
I have recently completed an MA in Contemporary Art Theory at Edinburgh College of Art, where I attained a distinction. The programme covered a diverse selection of art theory, visual cultures, curation, publishing and various forms and styles of art writing and criticism.
My thesis explored the crisis of the common good by examining my prior experience of working at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen, and the failure of their plan to build a large arts centre in Union Terrace Gardens. Through looking at speculative fictions, journalism, and art theory, I attempted to explore pataphysical (imaginary) solutions to the encroachment on our public spaces by corporations.
Prior to this, as part of our curation module, I designed the publication ‘A Microstory of Curating’ which was edited under the collective-username Lee Joss. The book was conceived as an additional room to the exhibition Microstoria at Talbot Rice Gallery. It is a site where ideas and opportunities have been explored through fictional texts. Each page of this publication was “curated” by the art writing team who wanted to subvert the truths not only surrounding the Microstoria show but also surrounding the topic of curating itself.
In addition to my MA, I also hold a BA Hons in Film and Media Studies from the University of Stirling, where I specialised in Documentary Production.
I am currently living in Glasgow with my husband Joe.