Paul Leathers
Red Deer, Canada
Secret, anyone's, is open, if waited for long enough, 90
Mixed media installation: 24K gold electroplated and patinated cast bronze,
constructed and patinated bronze mounts, water-filled glass globes, cork, MDF, nitrile rubber.
(H) 79 cm x (W) 68.5 cm x (D) 14.5cm
© Paul W. Leathers, 2003
First exhibited in 2003, this artwork, entitled Secret, anyone's, is open, if waited for long enough, 90, uses water-filled glass globes positioned at eye level on wall-mounted shelves to focus one's attention on the gilt 'fragments' arranged behind them. This piece capitalizes on Parallax Method by providing an enhanced reading of the work that is delivered through the necessity of the viewer having to relocate to new viewpoints.
As the viewer moves about the exhibition space the globes appear empty until, at one specific location in the room, the globes align with the fragments and appear to fill suddenly with gold—an alchemist's dream come true. I enjoy watching visitors to the exhibition, obviously engaged with the work, shifting from side to side in front of the globes while trying to make this ‘flash of gold’ effect wink on and off.
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