Kinetic sculptures installed in foyer of Christchurch Art Gallery

Two kinetic sculptures from the forthcoming exhibition Andrew Drummond: Observation / Action / Reflection were installed in the foyer of Christchurch Art Gallery last week.

The introduction of these major works will introduce audiences to the exhibition, ahead of the official opening on 14 May.

Descending from the roof of the foyer to within a metre of the floor, Viewing Device, Counter-Rotating (2009–10) and Counter-Rotating and Earthing Device (2000) indicate Drummond’s highly developed passion for innovative technology.

Created in Drummond’s Woolston studio in Christchurch, Viewing Device, Counter-Rotating utilises a specially designed and engineered ‘air muscle’ motor. The device explores a simple proposition – the ability for counter rotation to come from one motive source, powered by air.

Gallery Director Jenny Harper says the devices provide a fascinating insight into how technology transformed into sculpture can produce unusual optical effects and become a surprisingly beautiful tool.

“The sculpture hangs from a central shaft that terminates with the air muscle motor. If you stand beneath the motor and watch the rays of light beam through the punched holes, you see patterns of moving light projected and reflected around the foyer.”

The second sculpture, Counter-Rotating and Earthing Device, features rotating brass arms which create a visible and audible electric discharge as they lightly brush near copper earth-plates.

Much of Andrew Drummond’s work is located firmly in the arena of technological innovation and precision engineering. He combines aesthetics and technology to create machines that reference both 19th-century and cutting edge inventions.

Ms Harper says Christchurch Art Gallery is a fitting venue to exhibit these astounding works.

“The next in our series of substantial solo surveys of significant Canterbury artists, Christchurch Art Gallery is presenting a major survey of Andrew Drummond’s work from 14 May – 5 September and producing a catalogue to accompany this. It is great to be supporting such innovative technology from this acclaimed Christchurch artist well in advance of this. We are fortunate that the scale and dimensions of our building’s foyer allow us to show these amazing devices.”

Andrew Drummond: Observation / Action / Reflection will be at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu from 14 May until 5 September 2010.