The Weight of Things

Fibreglass, paint, poly, wood, sand, resin, perspex

This artwork featured in All Alone (2021). 

This new piece of work responds to 2020, as it has been very different in many ways. There have been lots of challenges and we have had to find new ways to adapt, new ways to explore, new ways to work. There has felt a weight of things, a sense of uncertainty and unknowing. More than ever there is a feeling, a moment, and when that’s past, we are waiting for the next moment to happen.

The sculpture of the rock looks as if it’s comes from the nearby rock formation of the Roaches in Leek. This is placed as if hovering above water level of the pond; capturing a moment that is in a state of flux, unknowing and uncertain, both poetic and jarring, floating, crashing. The work pays homage to Rene Magritte’s painting ‘Clear Ideas’ painted in 1958. Ironically the word ‘clear’ in terms of the current media and direction has come under scrutiny. Often leaving us with the weighted feeling of anxiety.

The sculpture is also suggestive of a symbol of hope, something that is defying the rules, gravity, over coming something against all odds. 2020 has brought a lot of struggles, but we have also seen success stories despite the expected outcome.

Originally Commissioned by Urban Wilderness Ross Ankers supported on the Support Structure, Mally Mallinson on the Construction of the Rock.

Image: David Bethell, The Weight of Things, installation view, All Alone, Croft Castle, 2021. Commissioned by Urban Wilderness as part of the Wastelands. Photo: Stefan Handy. 

 

About the artist

David Bethell

David Bethell featured in All Alone at Croft Castle, 2021, and Synthetic Landscapes, Weston Park; Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, 2017. David Bethell was commissioned for Synthetic Landscapes by Meadow Arts.

Image: David Bethell, Contraption: After Telford and Brown. (From Boat, Carriage, Plough and Harrow to Bridge.) Wood and plants. Meadow Arts commission 2017. Image courtesy of Meadow Arts.