My sculpture is concerned with the appropriation of ready-made components and their formation into compositional constructions through systematic processes of repetition and pattern. It replicates the module in a non-referential manner, and teases out aspects of minimalism, installation, and the immaterial.
Made from PVC pipe elbows, the sculpture's elements combine to create infinite knots, which, although non-objective, reference the organic. Its modular components reflect the free-form process of assembly. Achieved through the use of pattern, light, and scale, the camouflage designs changes the perception of its form by making it disappear or change shape. Colour and light obfuscate the object and assimilate it into its surroundings. A natural phenomenon, camouflage can be adopted to disguise man-made forms and blend them into their immediate localities. It also transforms the artificial into the organic and disintegrates structure. The sinuous format and patterned skin of the sculpture and its colour scheme and markings obliquely reference nature, but the choice of synthetic paints and their method of application render it completely artificial. This process removes the camouflage from its normal context, highlighting the juxtaposition of imitation and the organic, and accentuating the modular configurations by disguising them, paradoxically, in a conspicuous manner.
Mark Booth has been exhibiting regularly since 2010 with recent solo exhibitions at Bathurst Regional Gallery, NSW and Artereal Gallery at Project Space, Sydney and group exhibitions at National Art School Gallery, Sydney and Australian Galleries, Melbourne.
He was a finalist in Sculpture at Sawmillers (2014) and Sculpture at the Vineyards (2013). He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics from the National Art School and previously studied Graphic Design.
PVC pipe, nylon screws, low sheen acrylic paint
63 x 80 x 78 cm
Finalist
Mark Booth, in conversation with Professor Ian Howard, discusses his work 25.150-88° and answers questions from the audience. Recorded on 10 October 2015 at the exhibition.
Download MP3 (7.9 MB)
Judges of the 2015 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Dr Michael Brand (Director of the Art Gallery of NSW), Penelope Seidler AM (Arts Patron and Director of Harry Seidler & Associates) and Barbara Flynn (International Curatorial Advisor).