It's always a joy to see a show that touches a corner in either the mind, heart or soul of the viewer. This collection of small scale cast bronze and copper sculptures hits all three bases. Alqaragholli presents simple 'household' objects and elongated figures that have the power to communicate on various levels. His works (ranging between 14 - 54 cm high) invite and engage the viewer with their gentle narratives. However, the stories we find are not dictated by the artist, rather them come from our own life experiences.

Here are simple figures that interact with chairs, ladders, the occasional angel, and a fish. Some exhibits are fun, like Whizzi II which depicts a woman holding a child's hands as she spins around. There is a decided sense of warmth, joy and freedom in this 'modern' rendition of the ancient subject in art; 'mother and child'. Other works, like Virtuoso, are more inspirational. Just looking at this long legged, lean figure playing his violin had me humming my favourite piece of classical music. I couldn't help thinking of the consummate musician, one who's heart and soul rises with the music. Then there is Peacemaker, which depicts a single figure gently holding a dove in his hand. Like the violinist, this 'simple' work is both subtle yet powerful, and somehow meditative.

Despite the hardness of the inert material that forms Alqaragholli's work, each exhibit owns a sense of movement, joy and freedom. And if they evoke an emotion or a narrative, it is born in our own interpretation of the sculpture, rather then the artist's dictation. It is indeed a fine artist who can put up works that draw us in and allow us to find what we want or need, in the image. A case in point was my immediate reaction to the rather unusual exhibit, Conversation, a composition that involves two 'broken' chairs set next to each other. I couldn't decide if they were arguing a point of logic, or reaching out to each other, or just plain 'open minded' albeit inanimate objects. One thing I did know for certain was how well the artist engaged this viewer with his excellent work.

It would seem that Alqaragholli looks to universal themes for inspiration therefore assuring the 'human' condition is global and timeless. Do see this show, it will refresh your sense of aesthetic as well as your soul.