The Universe is made up of 90 percent dark matter – the only way we know it is there is from it’s gravitational pull. The exhibition Dark Matter a collaboration between Ali Bezer and Mitchell Donaldson envelops you; then leaves you wondering where you are and what you believe in.
There are some explosive works contained in the exhibition. There is a mixture of sculpture exploring the overarching themes of sensation, mortality, spirituality and sound.
As an audience we encounter a fear of the unknown. The artworks are often quite minimal and sparsely distributed around the gallery to great effect. There is a focus on metal as a primary element of the works, leaving us to examine the lustre, weight and magnetic properties.
A large sculptural work drew me in. It appeared like a labyrinth strip, an existential mountain range hung in another galaxy. The colour used on this particular work is a very deep black and brown. The metal is folded upon itself, like time itself. As you parade around the work it divides the space in the room, whilst still allows you to move around the work to reveal a marked change in territory and space. In another space of the gallery was a similar folded and crumpled metal sculpture presented on the wall appearing to defy gravity.
In keeping with theme of the exhibition several small tear like artworks, they appear like holes in the wall or a fracture in the abyss of the night sky, dragging your attention toward the middle of the work. I remained acutely aware of the scale of these works, and wondering how they could be attracting my gaze to them, without feeling like they were insignificant.
In another Hold Gallery space is work made from a parachute. It’s carefully lit and constructed to form the fairytale image of a heart. I was struck by the feeling of joy created by works with such simplicity in mind.
Amongst the collection of small sculptural works were some very delicate artworks created by Ali Bezer entitled ‘Sonic Solids’ 2014. The are made of iron filings clinging to small speakers. Another small sculpture made using the tape of an old audio cassette was masterfully created.
Now I’m not saying I could interpret everything that was on show at Dark Matter, some of what I found was disturbing and that is why I loved it. It gave me a lot to think about and left me feeling like I need to explore more of the universe which is all around us.
Dark matter wraps up on February 8th, so get on down to The Hold to see it for yourself.
Written by Justin Morrissey
Image: Ali Bezer ‘Sonic Solids’ 2014