Lost In The Woods/Getting Better
Ben Applegarth
9 October – 12 December 2015
Ben Applegarth, ‘Lost In The Woods/Getting Better’, 2015, installation view. Photo: Phillip Wilkinson
The work of Ben Applegarth in ‘Lost In The Woods/Getting Better’ is concerned with evolving geometrical structures, a fascination with mathematical patterns and the literal and figurative role of perspective.
The sculptures are constructed to be looked at from various positions, their designs reminiscent of cognitive illusions; inferring shapes, curves and other false perceptions from the repetition of straight lines. Diverge/Converge (Hibari) (2015) contains an example of the ‘Hering Illusion’ – named after its discoverer, German physiologist Ewald Hering – where two straight and parallel lines are viewed in front of a radial pattern (like the spokes of a bicycle), the two lines then appearing as if they were bowed outwards. The works’ titles come from a literal interpretation of composition and include references to musical pieces that are of personal significance to the artist.
Applegarth is interested in the rigour of the methods used to create a piece of work: the progression from experiment to elaborate construction, and of working on a material to a high level of finish. He is creating an ongoing series of works consisting of geometric shapes and Platonic solids – three-dimensional, complex, regular polygonal forms named after the Greek philosopher Plato – using the selective repetition of lines to create the complex sculptures.
‘Lost In The Woods/Getting Better’ has been curated by London-based curator Kristyna Radostova.
Ben Applegarth was born in County Durham, in 1990, and lives in Newcastle upon Tyne. He studied BA Fine Art at Newcastle University 2008-12. He has exhibited nationally in group and solo exhibitions and was longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize in 2013.
Ben Applegarth, Diverge/Converge (Hibari) (detail), 2015, elastic thread, Plexiglass, pine board, 40.5x71x20.5cm. Photo: Phillip Wilkinson
Ben Applegarth, Course Correction (Valedico) (detail), 2015, elastic thread, Plexiglass, sapele wood, 33x43x33cm. Photo: Phillip Wilkinson
Ben Applegarth, Triangular Helix (Ruminatus) (detail), 2015, elastic thread, walnut wood, 81x122x40.5cm. Photo: Phillip Wilkinson
Ben Applegarth, Course Correction (Valedico), 2015, elastic thread, Plexiglass, sapele wood, 33x43x33cm. Photo: Phillip Wilkinson
Presented as part of ‘drawing?’ an extensive region-wide programme of exhibitions, events and activities which aims to celebrate, explore and consider the role of drawing in art and design, science, technology and everyday life. The programme is a collaboration between several of the North East’s universities, galleries, museums, archives, artist-led groups, artists and makers.
Take a video tour of the exhibition
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