Must see exhibition

A  Ron Mueck exhibition at the  Christchurch Art Gallery – until 23rd Jan 2011 – is a ‘must see’ while you’re in my city.

Mask -- a self portrait

According to Wikipedia Mueck “began his career working on Australian children’s television programs, and his early career was as a model maker and puppeteer for television and films, notably the film Labyrinth for which he also contributed the voice of Ludo. Mueck moved on to establish his own company in London, making photo-realistic props and animatronics for the advertising industry.In 1996 Mueck transitioned to fine art . . . Charles Saatchi  was immediately impressed and started to collect and commission work. This led to the piece which made Mueck’s name, Dead Dad. His sculpture Pregnant Woman  (on loan for this exhibition) was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia for AU$800,000.”

I found the  exhibition challenging: Mueck ‘s sculpture played with my (our) perception of scale. The smaller forms, like the old ladies, although amazing, didn’t challenge me like the extra-large  pieces did. They, the large pieces, were demanding and I felt I was intruding into a personal space that was out of bounds.

My favourite is the man in the boat – I wonder which will be yours.