McArthur exhibition

Press, 15 July 1987, Page 13

McArthur exhibition

Roger McArthur, “Humour in Metal.” At the Gefn Co-operative, 79 Cashel Street Mall. Reviewed by Andrew Cutler.

Judging by the considerable interest shown in the 15 steel figures being exhibited by Roger McArthur in the window of the Gefn co-operative shop, there is a good case for local art galleries to move from their hidden spaces, up staircases and behind museums, and exhibit work where people going about their daily lives can see it. Another feature of these works which other artists might copy is their humour. The pieces all make humorous or satirical comments about aspects of daily life.

Roger McArthur makes his works out of sheets and rods of steel, which he shapes and cuts with a blow-torch. The pieces are also sealed with silicone and polyurethane, which makes one wonder what they would look like actually standing in the city mall.

There are two adult size and one child sized figures in the exhibition. Number three, “Hokey Pokey,” is a figure of a schoolboy, carrying a school-bag, wearing baggy shorts and licking an icecream. The figure is a satire of the traditional schoolboy with unkempt hair, big ears, feet and hands, and a huge tongue voraciously licking his ice-cream. The reality of the figure is impossible to avoid because of its size, and the sheer solid presence of the steel.

The physical presence of the steel work is an obvious feature of all the works. In some of the smaller works, McArthur has coloured the steel to a deep black. In the large pieces, like “Hokey Pokey,” the rough edges, deep shine and texture of the sheets and rods adds an extra dimension to the works. While you cannot run your hands through the schoolboy’s hair, the

tangled matt of steel rods cleverly evokes the kind of thick greasy hair schoolboys of old are meant to have. Number two, “Here’s looking at you,” is one of the two adult size figures in the exhibition. In both figures the skeletal frame is revealed as a basic support for the outer clothes and accessories. Again it is the interesting use of the metal, and in this case the use of stained glass techniques for the glasses that sustains interest.

Of the smaller grouips of figures, number seven, “Signals,” should raise a grin from many rugby players. It depicts half a rugby scrum in the process of packing down. The figures are interlocking, and are complete with facial features, and what look like cauliflower ears. Number 10, “Mecca,” is the best composed of the small groups. It is a simple group of three figures bowing and kneeling towards Mecca.

All in all this is an amusing exhibition using interesting materials in a stimulating way. Take a look in Gefn’s window, or take the time to go in and have a closer look. Either way, you will be rewarded.