Tim Lewis - The Forest Visits
An act of creativity can be interpreted in many ways. When the result is art that requires audience intervention, I view that as an act of generosity. In Tim Lewis’ latest solo show, a series of zoomorphic kinetic sculptures patiently wait for an audience to bring them to life. Unlike static art that exists for you to interpret, or auto-mechanised works that move for your amusement, experiencing Lewis’ art is a bit like having a magician whisper how to do the trick. The rabbit might be hidden in his hat, but he’s given you the power to make the magic.
If you were to walk into Flowers on a quiet day, however, none of this would be evident. Strange contraptions, half-machine half-beast, line the walls in silence. The head of a deer emerges from an upside down guitar. A colourful fish appears to float over empty pints of milk. Moths and bees and a waving cat are stuck onto small steel sculptures high up on a wall. “Look Don’t Touch” is the unwritten art world rule we’ve all become accustomed to, but here there are no guards watching over you and a closer look reveals enticing foot pedals and mechanical hand cracks.
Do you dare?
I wasn’t so sure when I first saw the show. Your gut instinct will tell you not to. Because, well, it’s a Cork Street art gallery and there’s nothing that says you can. There’s also nothing that says you can’t, and there are no Tate-like alarms that beep the moment you get too close. So, yeah, go on. Give it a go. (Spoiler alert: You’re allowed!)
The larger works have a pre-set sequence of motions, activated by a foot pedal. That deer plays the guitar. That fish swims in a circle. A mole-like creature (an echidna) rings a triangle and small medical instruments magically pick apart some cotton.
The smaller wall works are run via hand crank. A bee is nervously stuck behind a window and a pair of bears dance. They work both forwards and backwards and the speed is up to you. These are a bit more delicate, but they’re safely out of reach from small hands, which means adults get to have all the fun. Yay!
My second visit was a busy Saturday. A full crowd engaged with all the works, creating an out of tune sympathy that still sounded better than any school holiday pageant you might have to suffer though this season. I looked up to notice gallery director Matthew Flowers observing quietly by the office. He wasn’t nervously minding the artwork. He was beaming like a proud papa on Christmas morning, watching all of his children gleefully play with their presents.
Although these works are for sale, for the moment they are gifts to us all. An act of generosity on behalf of Tim Lewis and Flowers Gallery to bring little moments of joy to all those who are curious enough to engage with them.
Plan your visit
‘The Forest Visits’ runs until 06 January.
Visit flowersgallery.com and follow @flowersgallery on Instagram for more info about the venue.
Follow @timlewis.info on Instagram for more info about the artist.
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
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