Sculpture is an artform that intrigues the viewer. It may be a monumental abstraction, life-like effigy or small narrative that has been cast, carved or constructed in a variety of materials, but because it's a 3D object that shares our space, we feel a need to define the subject or function. When viewing Macfarlane Reid's sculptures we come to realize his work has only one purpose, to offer a tantalizing experience.

There is a sense of 'more then meets the eye' in these exhibits. Mind you, what meets the eye ~ steel surfaces that are neatly polished or rubbed with colour and well considered compositions ~ is very satisfying. But beyond the visual satisfaction, there's the high you get when you break through the surface imagery and engage with the work. You find hints and suggestions of influences and narratives that work their way into the imagination and intellect. Each exhibit is capable of igniting a variety of ideas thereby allowing different people to find what they want in an individual work, and the exhibition as a whole.

My partner and I each approach sculptural work in our own way. He appreciates exhibits that are crafted with solid skills and finely finished, and respects an artist's ability to construct in different scales. For example, he was intrigued by the commanding floor piece Breathe and a related table piece One Will Do.  Despite employing the same iconic components, a circle, crescent and undulating bar, each steel construction is unique with its surface treatment and alignment of parts. I'm more interested in exhibits that take the viewer to different realms within. As such, I was attracted to the Oriental influence in the wall piece Just for Fun with its red steel form reminiscent of a stroke of calligraphy, and the wall piece Eponymous, which suggests a kakemono dipped in molten steel.

Although we agreed on many exhibits as 'favourites', we often had different interpretations of them. Together we appreciated Sounding for its tactile interest and gently swaying shape, however, he saw it as a sensuous organic suggestion while I identified a drawn squiggle brought into the third dimension. Our appreciation and interpretation matched with the small  white on white Titan 3 which we saw as reminiscent of a Zen Garden, the large Destination that spoke to us of journeys into the unknown, we shared in the whimsy and sheer joy evoked by Serenade and agreed on the pure elegance of Concerto.

There was much to think and talk (argue) about after leaving the exhibition yet we can't help agreeing on one fact; good sculpture, as seen in this exhibition, should instigate lateral thinking about the artform, the object, the idea, the workmanship, the intention of the artist, the interpretation of the viewer .... etc. This exhibition is an invigorating experience, see it with a friend, think about it, talk about it, enjoy it.