Overview
A massive machine whose very life depends on discipline, motion and speed. . . a mechanized army on wheels that rolls over any obstacle in its path. . . that meets calamity again and again, but always comes up smiling. . . a place where disaster and tragedy stalk the Big Top, haunt the backyards, and ride the circus rails. . . where Death is constantly watching for one frayed rope, one weak link, or one trace of fear.
When does it become too late? At what point do we realise we have gone too far? In this new installation comprising of new works, Brian Duggan presents questions which we know the answer to, but only after the fact; when things go wrong and mistakes are made, only then can we see clearly, or do we?
An unstable equilibrium has often grounded Duggan’s work in the real world. However an air of remembered twisted familiarity can be understood as a strategy for finding and asking key questions. Using tangible materials in his wide ranging practice, diverse strategies are employed to find the lines and relationships between fragments of history and current circumstances. Fairground archives, 60s and 70s cinema, early performance video art, slapstick scenarios, original arcade gaming, and installations and audio sculptures are all elements that are employed to build these questions. Duggan’s practice juxtaposes historical and recent risky adventure with belief and the uncertain expectation that what is unlikely can be made possible.
Brian Duggan’s new commission this short-term evacuation can be seen at Earlsfort Terrace as part of Dublin Contemporary 2011 running from 06.09.11 until 31.10.11.
Process Room
Duggan’s work was shown in the Process Room from 7 to 18 September 2011.
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Artworks by Brian Duggan
