MICHEL FRANÇOIS
2020-03-30In the first room, the artist presents work from a new series of wall-mounted sculptures. From afar, it appears as though a sea of loops and curves has beensketched directly on the wall; as spontaneous as a doodle. Closer inspection reveals it to be a three-dimensional work in metal. The curvilinear ‘drawing’ is created from a single 95-metre-long ribbon of rolled steel. Yet, for all its linear grace, the metal possesses a powerful tensile strength and will instantly recoil unless firmly secured. François loops the ribbon across the frame, securing it at strategic points with strong magnets. As is typical of his work, the sculpture is the unpredictable result of a predetermined process. With great economy of means, he literally takes a ‘line for a walk’, without knowing in advance how the finished object will ultimately look. In this sense, the artist surrenders to the process and his material to create a piece that is as much about control (physically mastering the volatile, unpredictable steel), as it is about letting go (the material has a life of its own).
Opposite – Untitled, 2020
Exhibition runs through to April 25th, 2020
GAVLAK
340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite M334
FL 33480
Palm Beach
