This is a fascinating collection of copper constructions and mixed media paintings that demands the viewer get involved with the work. It would seem this artist agrees with Rodin's comment about sculpture being "an art of hollows and projections". Oliver Sage adeptly employs cut-outs and protruding pointed aspects in his large figurative sculptures, while the small pieces have figures trapped in, or climbing out of, cages.

Despite some rough welded joins and finishes, there is a sense of elegance in Sage's work. For example Mallee Bull draws a fluid line from point of horn, up the neck, over the shoulder, along a long low back, to end in the 'flick' of the tail.  Quite different but equally impressive is Who Catches Who where a fish wearing a blue patina is delicately perched on two fins and a tail. It's open weave belly contains a figure, the fisherman perhaps! Although both are 'fierce' creatures, the interesting textures, hollows and projections, tempt the hand to stroke the works.

Much appreciated too are the collections of wire boxes and balls containing figures and arranged in different presentations. These cages may cluster together on a plinth, pile one atop another or, as with Sail Away, dangle beneath an open boat frame suspended from the ceiling. Within the bubbles under the bow we detect small figures and each seems to be enjoying riding the air currents.

Sage is in command of his own style in the three dimensional works so they don't disappoint. However I found his paintings to be more interesting as I've not seen the artist's 2D efforts before. These richly coloured and well textured works reveal a sense of confidence and control which invites the viewer to come up close and look deep into the layers of marks, media, colour and imagery. El Toro is a collection of rich blues and deep blacks with hints of high key hues that seem to be poured and pushed around the surface of the large canvas. If one cannot find a definitive image of the animal in the title, the work certainly suggests the strength and energy of a maddened creature trapped in the canvas/arena. Good one!

Also appreciated is The Red Radio where a field of splashes and drips of loud colour is punctuated by grey and black silhouette of figures to suggest the faceless voices that punctuate broadcast noise. Quite different in mood is the more subtle image Sardines On that appears to be a simple  monochrome of fish and figures. However on close inspection we discover a multitude of colours.

Sage has brought a new dimension to this exhibition, do catch the show as you'll find navigating the sculpted projections and hollows, as well as the colours and textures, an inspiring experience.