LAYERS

Are we always honest?

Layers, 2012
Acrylic
Unique work
H83 x W140 x D70cm
© Mark Humphrey

CLIENT
Osborne Samuel gallery

LOCATION
Mayfair, London, UK

“LAYERS TRANSFORMS A DESK INTO A STUDY OF TRANSPARENCY, INTEGRITY AND WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE. MACHINED FROM SOLID CLEAR ACRYLIC, LAYER AFTER LAYER IS BUILT UP BEFORE BEING HAND-POLISHED TO CREATE A CRYSTAL-CLEAR FINISH.

THE TRANSPARENCY EXPOSES EVERYTHING BENEATH THE DESK. NOTHING IS CONCEALED, CREATING A DIRECT PLAY ON THE FAMILIAR EXPRESSION ‘UNDER THE TABLE’ – SOMETHING DONE SECRETLY, DISHONESTLY OR OUTSIDE THE RULES. HERE, THERE IS NOWHERE TO HIDE. WHAT WOULD NORMALLY REMAIN UNSEEN IS PLACED ON VIEW.

THE DESK BECOMES A SYMBOL OF AUTHORITY AND COMMUNICATION – A PLACE FROM WHICH POLITICIANS, ROYALTY OR COMPANY PRESIDENTS MAY ADDRESS THE PUBLIC. ITS LAYERED CONSTRUCTION ALSO SUGGESTS THE LAYERS OF INFORMATION PRESENTED TO SOCIETY: WHAT IS REVEALED, WHAT IS WITHHELD AND WHAT MAY LIE BENEATH THE SURFACE.”

Mark Humphrey