Form and Freedom
Andrew Bird • Chris Buck
In the paintings of Andrew Bird and the cast bronze sculptures of Chris Buck, there is an exciting juxtaposition between the spontaneous and structural form. The balance between these forces gives their work impact and presence – revealing more the closer you look.
Through Andrew’s layered, potent canvases, you can see the interplay between form and freedom, as he conjures fleeting images or what he calls ‘slices of time’ with immediate, gestural marks and rich, sometimes unexpected colours. Yet always there is a sense of solidity and permanence underneath – like the relationship between ancient rock and fleeting clouds.
For Chris, creative freedom and spontaneity are his points of departure. His sculptures are essentially abstract, sometimes inspired by found objects and developed without planning or drawing. Yet beyond the enigmatic titles, patinated textures and polished surfaces, there is always a timeless form, like something shaped by the elements or made in the distant past.
You can explore the interplay between form and freedom in these powerful, charismatic works at Clifton Contemporary Art this autumn.
