The Repositioning of Objects that Once Functioned (2017), Installation View, George Paton Gallery, Images by Guy Grabowsky
Sean McDowell’s exhibition The Repositioning of Objects that Once Functioned can be seen as an exploration of materiality and process, drawing on action and operation of fitting things together.
By juxtaposing distinct materials that would normally be seperate, McDowell re-contextualises the manufactured forms in a way that challenges their pre-existing framework and function. Although the
forms employed in the artworks reference other functional structures and everyday objects, the sculptures are located in a place between representation and abstraction. Driven by the artistic process,
McDowell has worked in an intuitive, yet playful manner to construct carefully considered and refined sculptures that deal with composition, surface, colour, form and ideas surrounding display.
Exhibition Dates: 14 - 23 March, 2018
Opening Event: Wednesday 21 March, 5-7pm
George Paton Gallery, Level 2 Union House, the University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria
The Repositioning of an Object that Once Functioned l (2017), Steel, wood, lacquer paint, polyethylene foam, glass, 135cm x 14.6cm x 195cm.
The Repositioning of an Object that Once Functioned II (2017), Steel, wood, lacquer, synthetic polymer paint, carpet underlay, 110cm x 20cm x 26.5cm.
The Repositioning of an Object that Once Functioned III (2017) Steel, wood, lacquer paint, polyethylene foam, glass, 110cm x 15cm x 111cm.
The Repositioning of an Object that Once Functioned IV (2017), Steel, wood, lacquer, synthetic polymer paint, carpet underlay, copper, 110.5cm x 19cm x 26.5cm.
The Repositioning of an Object that Once Functioned V (2017), Steel, wood, lacquer paint, polyethylene foam, glass, 135cm x 14.6cm x 195cm.