ArtBeat
A graduate in sculpture with Hons from the Ilam School of Fine Arts in the 1970s, Springfield-based artist Stephen Clarke began a self-imposed apprenticeship with computers in the 1990s, but has more recently returned to sculpture, working with former materials, including polyester resin in a series of figurative works he describes as “upcycled, others dragged up a gravel road to build up surface effects”.
Shades of Death is detailed as an exhibition that may “upset, awe, illuminate, confound or challenge people. The artist explores themes of refugee imprisonment, suicide, death, dread, and fear alongside opposing themes”.
Clarke further observes the exhibition is “A nightmare, inside of a nightmare, inside of a nightmare”. Essentially, Clarke’s metal figures and objects are otherworldly and not necessarily in a good way. As he claims, “Shades of Death “confront the viewer with refugee imprisonment and detention atrocities of Manus and Christmas Islands. Fascination and repulsion sit uncomfortably together.” Shades of Death and its attention to materials and its implicit conversations, makes it a compelling exhibition.
Yet, at the core of Clarke’s subjects are people, seemingly fragmented yet functioning, and in addition to the initially uncomfortable nature of their presence and reality there is a sense of wishing to connect, communicate and comprehend.
Content warning:
This exhibition is not recommended for children. Parental care is advised to visit.
Stephen Clarke, Shades of Death
Oxford Gallery
Main Street Oxford
7 March – 7 April
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IMAGE: Stephen Clark, Too Frightened to Open My Eyes, Series No 9 (Oct 2023)