Exhibition of experiments
Sydney’s Art Month has been given an experimental twist by emerging local artist, Charles Dennington and his new exhibition at the Artereal Gallery in Rozelle.
Entitled When a Thing Becomes a Thing, Dennington’s exhibition features sculptures which figuratively explore nature and the human condition.
“I’m interested in representing a particular element of an entire figure, of reducing an object down to its lightest possible form,” he said.
“In my piece, Finger (a human, standing there), the fingers are a blatant human element standing for a whole figure, abbreviated into a single propped up digit.”
Dennington noted that the works featured in his exhibition were developed through a process of trial and error.
“My sculptures are the result of lengthy experimentation into the point at which a form becomes an artwork. I experiment in my studio with new materials and mediums and often end up with failed and half-failed artworks.
“Occasionally, out of all of these experiments, a successful artwork emerges. This is the point at which I feel I have witnessed: when a form is collaged into a proper existence in reality by achieving a certain level of balance and integrity.”
The challenge of testing new materials and new ideas successfully is one that excites Dennington. He sees himself as being immersed in a process of continuous development, rather than being confined to one particular artistic style.
“These are artistic experiments that I find extremely satisfying. I see this as my early work, and there will definitely be change from this over time as I discover new materials and styles to use,” he said.
Dennington has been actively pursuing art for the last two years, and is currently undertaking a Master of Fine Arts at the Sydney College of the Arts. This is his third solo exhibition and his most significant and most distinctive to date.
“The difference with When a Thing Becomes a Thing is that it is far more minimal and stripped back then my past exhibitions. I want to highlight what I see as the particularly significant works,” he said.
Whilst his exhibition has attracted a large and very diverse audience, Dennington is very modest of this success.
“I feel strange that people find my work interesting,” he said.
When a Thing Becomes a Thing runs until the 31st March at Artereal Gallery, 747 Darling Street, Rozelle. Keep an eye out for more of Dennington’s exhibitions planned for 2012.
By Drew Rooke
