| Ref No | 2016.1/A/13 |
| Level | Item |
| Extent | 1 item |
| Title | Red and black notebook |
| Date | Jan 1984 - Feb 1986 |
| Description | Small red and black notebook inscribed on the inside cover by an unidentified friend, 'with best wishes for the Year of the Rat 1984, from alex [sic] xxx'. Also includes a label marked, 'The Thoughts of David Dye'. The notebook is filled with introspection and observations written by Dye at various points between January 1984 and February 1986. The entries from October 1984 onwards cover Dye's time at Goldsmiths’ College, London undertaking an MA in Fine Art. Each entry is dated and contains analytical commentary in which he critiques, questions and interrogates his artistic practice, with much of the analysis self-deprecatory. Dye also notes the reaction of friends and tutors to his work, including John Wood and Gerard [Hemsworth?]. The entries also contain some intensely personal introspection and analysis, particularly in relation to his sexuality and its impact on his art. At various points in the notebook he refers back to previous entries and cross-references himself. Parts of the notebook are unused. The last few pages of the notebook contain personal reminders and contact details. |
| Notes | The early entries – prior to Dye starting his MA at Goldsmiths' College, London – appear to relate to Dye’s period of experimentation using projection and/or anamorphosis. According to Dye's dated negatives, the experimental works noted in these entries – 'Element', 'Séance' and 'Unfettered' – were made between 1982 and 1983. However, it is possible that he continued to work on these pieces until 1984, or he may have misdated the negatives. |
| Related Material | See 2016.1/D/42 and 2016.1/E/47-48 for photographs and negatives related to Dye’s period of experimentation using projection and/or anamorphosis, including images of the experimental works ‘Element’, ‘Séance’ and ‘Unfettered’. |