Attraction and Transmission: David McCracken

Attraction and Transmission presents a new exhibition of large-scale sculptures by Auckland based artist David McCracken. This body of works develops and extends themes from McCracken’s 2020 solo exhibition with Gow Langsford, Exalt in Transmission. McCracken derives the forms of his sculptural objects from mechanical origins – one can detect underlying reference to engine belts, cogs, and other machine elements. These everyday objects are worked through an artistic process and transformed into monumental sculptures fabricated from Corten steel.

Reflecting on his practice, McCracken stated, “These works are derived from my experiences as a young working man in marginal rural New Zealand and in other, usually male-dominated working environments. I noticed how working men found and expressed respect for their fellow man through appreciation of their craft and skill, as represented by the objects and edifices of the made environment. As a maker, this remains essential to me; that the quality of your work can be a symbol of respect for your fellow man.” This sense of respect is evident in the meticulous crafting of his sculptures. Fashioned from industrial corten steel, they have been shaped with the precision and delicacy usually seen in more malleable materials.