Artist
Ben Woodeson makes ephemeral sculptures that deliberately set out to confront
both viewer and exhibiting institution. The works are frequently fragile,
unstable and kinetic.
Born
and living in London Woodeson studied at Glasgow School of Art. He is currently
The Theodore Randall International Chair, School of Art and Design at Alfred
University, New York.
406 Canisteo St.
Hornell, NY14843
underthebelfry@gmail.com
Directors:
Ben Woodeson - Artist's
statement:
Mass, friction, balance,
gravity, momentum, potential and kinetic energy; basic rules of physics are
exploited to create simple sculptures that deliberately straddle a line between
stability and instability, action and inaction. Poised treacherously, the works
are frequently performative in that they inhabit a moment of possible action
and subsequent reaction.
Assembled from modular
everyday materials and objects, the works keep the viewer poised in a state of
slight suspense, challenging them to respond to a unique and evolving environment
of cause and effect. Some works are calm, stable and self-contained whilst
others confront the viewer with overtly cataclysmic outcomes. The physicality
of the works instigates an intense and visceral relationship with the viewer
and the surrounding architecture.
The sculptures have the
potential to spin, roll, wobble, fall, flick, collapse, shatter and even
ignite… but when? The possibility of any actual activity being observed depends
purely on chance and patience. Any control systems are random and automatic;
deliberately set to challenge and tease a viewer’s attention span. Threatened
ripples of consequence are sent throughout the sculptures and audience alike.
Some have the ability to function repeatedly; others are self-destructive and
catastrophic, the resulting debris and detritus subsequently becoming the
exhibited work.
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