Growing up in Western Australia and of Algerian and Welsh descent, Hannan Jones moved to Glasgow to study at their famous art school. She was drawn to Glasgow by the band Life Without Buildings especially frontwoman Sue Tompkins and the thriving scene there of art and music intersecting. I hadn’t heard of the band before even though apparently now having a resurgence on tiktok but after listening they are now a new fav.
Following an ‘autodidactic approach’ encouraged while studying she emphasises not to think about the outcome another fluxus influence? The idea of process, collaboration: ‘most things exist in joy with others’ and community: embrace the uncomfortable and dont be afraid to fail. She talked passionately about the collective approach in Glasgow something almost unrecognisable in individualistic London. Giving tips on how to build community: asking for help and returning the favour, inviting people to do things- looking for the positive in inbetween places eg. whats integral is the chat inbetween or going to and returning from somewhere.
I do wish there was a more collective attitude on the course and I am now inspired for next year especially to try build these bonds.
A sound work of hers that stood out to me was her piece for Edinburgh Art Festival, Lochrine Belle Canal Boat, opening the Associate Artist Programme on the Union Canal. I enjoyed hearing the story behind it and the use of hydrophone reminded me to make something out of my field recordings I had taken on the canal near mile end.