In 2014 Cat Auburn developed kinetic stainless steel sculptures at the Blue Art Oyster Art Project Space in Dunedin, NZ.
Three groups of animal figures shaped from thin steel rods occupied the front gallery space: a long-necked loner at the back, bending down to the floor; two gazelle-like forms suggesting movement, both crouching and springing forward; and a small shape finding shelter beneath a larger one. Those familiar with Auburn’s work will recognise some of these elongated forms from her earlier polymer sculptures. Here the forms are reinterpreted as sketches in air—drawings in metal. But there is another innovation: from time to time the forms shudder. An electrical box, attached to a leg of each figure and timed to go off at uneven intervals, briefly brings the sculptures to tremulous life. These shudders produce a rather unnerving noise, like a shut door echoing through a vacant building.
But what do these forms have to fear? The second room offers one answer. Hidden in that dimly lit space stands a strung white bow, arrow ready to launch.
Tom McLean
An excerpt – Blue Oyster 2014 Annual
Please scroll down for images and video clip.
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , installation view. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , installation view. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , detail. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , detail. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , installation view. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , detail. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , installation view. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
Cat Auburn (2014). When your neighbours’ problems become your own , detail. photo credit: Blue Oyster Art Project Space
