Rob Ward

Description

Rob Ward has long been interested in the ability of sculpture to represent cultural distillation. His recent work addresses this interest alongside the conceptual nature of architectural elements. Gate is an example of such a work.

A gate typically provides or denies someone access to a space or place. Historically, gates were well-guarded entry points into cities, castles and cathedrals and often were decorated by artists or craftsmen. Considering various gates throughout history provides one with an idea of some of the values that were of interest to a culture at a particular time.

Gate has a reflective surface that dematerialises its form and incorporates the viewer and landscape into its composition. This disorienting effect alters one's perceptual experience of the work whilst providing a dynamic vision of his or her surroundings.

Gate's composition initially seems to deny its meaning. Yet Gate provides access to one's surrounding environment by encouraging an activated consciousness of that environment. The adaptability of Gate's surface signifies that it will continuously change to provide a vision of its contemporary climate.