The Metal Bridge

The Metal Bridge: a strong, sturdy linking device allowing a join and crossover from 2D to 3D, work joining artists to artist, theme to theme. This group exhibition shows four artists, each one working independently, but, whether it is visually or conceptually, similarities exist.

The featured artists - Craig Mullholland, Steven Claydon, Thomas Helbig and
Duncan Marquiss - all experiment with a wide range of mediums, but relate
these back to the traditional practice of painting and drawing. There is a
fragmented feeling to each of the works particularly in Mullholland's piece,
a geometric series of works entitled Broken Pain 2006. The structural marks in the 2D works grow into an elegant 3D installation which, in its minimalism and machine-like appearance, is very figurative. There are many references to
historical developments in art and science, including theories of the
ultimate human evolution - to become one with the machine.

The second room balances the argument with a more humanistic approach. In
the centre of the room there is a slick, complete, yet abstract sculpture;
Gesicht 2006 by Thomas Helbig. It appears to represent birth, an argument
that is reinforced by Duncan Marquiss's film A Nothing with a Vengeance
2006 which is primal and ritualistic, ending with a bright strobe effect
seeming to symbolise creation.

The practical and formulaic nature of the exhibits in the first room
appeals to me with their accuracy and visual beauty. I find an uneasiness set in when viewing the film in the second room, which I cannot help but compare
to an amature theatre group performance. However, there is a great sense of discovery within this exhibition; bridging humanity with development and machinery.