Cats- Bea MacMahon
Although rich in conceptual content, Anna Barham and Bea MacMahon’s first joint exhibition Warp and Woof remains something of an enigma. The artists share a fascination with the complex systems which are the underlying mechanics of the universe and representations of reality, having both studied mathematics before exhibiting as artists.
Held in Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts, Warp and Woof explores metaphysical issues using a variety of media. In her video Cats, MacMahon explores the difficult subject of theoretical physics. In the clinical, overexposed film we see and hear the rhythmic thudding of a cat’s paws as he walks on a grained wooden floor. The film invites the viewer to make comparisons between various naturally occurring patterns and systems while offering no narrative and no tangible plot. The lack of explanation, limited footage and near silence of the film is a reflection on the ambiguity and complexity of the topic and suggests that the ideas are not verbally tangible, being only expressed acutely aurally and visually through observation.
Barham’s work is more easily accessible. Her MDF sculpture Arena, provides space for visitors to sit and listen to the fascinating audio piece Return Leptis Magna, which is a reference to a Socratic text and features the artist reading anagrams of the work’s title. The listener becomes caught in the tape, which reverberates around the white gallery like a chant. What seems nonsensical quickly becomes profound as we fixate on particular words and sounds. Constrained writing and conceptual art are often complimentary and Barham creates a captivating and engaging piece.
While initially frustrating and seemingly somewhat unrewarding, the silent and difficult exhibition successfully reflects the impossibility of human’s being able to fathom the laws and rules which govern our existence. The show allows some insight and offers the opportunity to experience these systems through a diverse range of media, by capturing moments of art which share these metaphysical dimensions.
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Hailey Maxwell
Hailey is a Glaswegian knowledge enthusiast with a wide spectrum of interests.
