Structural art show

Press, 27 October 1982, Page 16

Structural art show

“A primitive symbolism representing time" is how a Christchurch composer, Simon Mason, describes the structural work he has on display at the U.S.A. Gallery from today until October 31. The structure, called “Life Sentence" after the poem by Janet Frame, is made of drinking straws, string, and has a central piece of wood. It is about 3 metres high, with a diameter in places of 11 metres. Mason, a free-lance composer, plans to make another four such structures to complete the series. Each will be

a progression of those before it. but they will never be shown together. One of the later structures will be accompanied by choral music composed by Mason. It will be sung by a 20-member choir, accompanied by percussion instruments. The first structure can be seen in three distinct pieces. The outer spiral depicts time suspended, a central piece is Mason’s interpretation of the individual in relation to time, and the circular space which the work takes up symbolises wholeness and completeness.

“The structure after this one will be related in overall shape but in’ the time lapse the second will have developed,” said Mason, who is also a part-time music teacher, and music therapy student. Mason believes the series of structures is "something from himself.” It was entirely up to the individual what they took from them. “To one person it could be hilarious and meaningless with little or no point, but for someone else it may have some point,” he said. “It is meant to be provocative.”