GERM: ORGANIC GEOMETRY
Sculptures by MARK GREY-SMITH
21st November - 8th December, 2001 at THE WORKS
Reviewed by Judith McGrath

As it says in the catalogue essay, this exhibition is a culmination of the artist's interest in biology and physics, years of research, and a residency at the Department of Anatomy and Human Biology at UWA. The result is a collection of spherical forms constructed of aluminium, polyester resin, cement, marble terrazzo and cement oxides that refer to, and extrapolate on, the organic and the geometric found in nature.

The artists has constructed large and medium size clusters of curvilinear segments that resemble giant Banksia seed pods or a microscopic clump of cells. The segments appear to be pushing outward from a central core, ready to split open and disgorge seeds or divide and multiply. Along the outer rim of each segment there's an aluminium dividing line which accentuates the form and reinforces the idea of division. It also marks the drawn curved line from which the rounded forms grew.

In the corner of the gallery, where two walls and the floor converge at right angles, three arched lines trace the edge of a 2D shadow cast by a 3D spherical form and distorted by the junction of the three flat surfaces. These lines grow out into the third dimension to form Black Whole which consists of flat black sections emulating the distorted shadow. This exhibit, together with Centrefold 1 & 11, investigates the geometry of physical distortions that result from  transmission between dimensions. As the investigation begins so the artworks evolve from mathematical formula to organic forms.

Biology, physics and geometry float in the ethers far above my head however the visual, tactile and imaginative are within my grasp. And it is in these realms that the sculptures excite the viewer. The similarities are obvious then we begin to notice subtle dichotomies.  The structures are static yet offer a sense of fluidity, they are set on different alignments which effects the illusion of stability. They invite touch, we caress the smooth speckled surfaces to decipher if they are cold solid stone, or warm egg shells encasing some kind of lifeform. Suddenly the gallery seems like some futuristic incubator and we are the intruding organisms. It's all totally fascinating.

Good sculpture is always a joy to find and you'll certainly find it here, do see and enjoy this exhibition.

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