New Works: David McCracken
Working from his rail side studio in a converted factory in Parnell, Auckland, David McCracken has created a series of dexterous and minimal works for his first solo show with Gow Langsford Gallery.
Through a combination of processes including hydrostatic pressure McCracken toys with our perception of material forms. His works often appear to transcend their physicality - dense works appear light, solid works appear malleable, impenetrable surfaces appear pliable.
Like inflated toys or helium balloons, his spherical and tear shaped works in New Works appear weightless although they are constructed from dense materials. In two large works McCracken emulates tread plate, a typically light weight metal stock with a regular pattern of raised diamonds. Here panels in the style of tread plate are welded in dense Corten steel, again suggesting a defiance of the traditional elements of his materials.
When exposed to elements the surface of Corten steel develops a stable rust-like appearance. In comparison other works which have highly polished and reflected surfaces, some pieces in New Works have been rain washed adding a painterly quality to the surface to the works.
The relationship between an austere physical presence and more sensuous aesthetic qualities gives McCracken’s sculptures their conceptual efficacy; and refined compositions their striking elegance.
