This Sydney based artist welds flat and volumetric sections of steel into provocative abstract sculptures. His works consist of both complex configurations and gently flowing forms that are presented as free standing or wall pieces. This is his first exhibition in Perth and it should be seen by all appreciators and practitioners of the 3D arts.

The first thing we react to in Hague's work is the finish. Exhibits are painted in a selection of rich colours that reflect light from the smooth surfaces, transforming metallic twists and bends into organic folds and curls. Next we appreciate how the seamless joins translate the many disparate parts into a single unified whole. We are sorely tempted to run our hands over an exhibit to ascertain it really is hard, cold steel.

Hague's constructions own a unique internal dynamic, one that strikes a balance between a sense of strength and the look of refinement. We also notice a gestural aspect in many of these non-figurative works, a quality that relates the abstract object to a human a pose. Consider the horizontally aligned Besot, a folded strip of fire-engine red flat steel that seems to lounge about, captivated by it's own elegance. Then there is the vertical I, Adore, another red ribbon of steel that stands up proudly looking like a single broad calligraphic mark. An autograph of a celebrity perhaps, transformed into the third dimension.

Many of Hague's sculptures are like rhythmic dances in steel. The wall piece A Minor Private Thing, in two tones of a burgundy hue, could be a response to some jazz tune, while the deep blue floor work The Script is surely inspired by classical music. Meanwhile, other works, like the gun metal grey painted Bound and the warm green Refrain, are more constricted. They are composed from an odd collection of shapes that appear to be held in check by some outside force. But then interpretations will be made differently by each individual viewer.

And that's what makes attending this exhibition so interesting. It is always exciting when an artist has sufficient confidence in their own work to allow the audience to interact with, and interpret, it as they choose. It is also exciting to see artworks of such high quality; it tells us the artist respects his craft as well as the viewer.