Matter of Σ importance
Sculpture by Rob Leighton
21 April – 14 may 2022
The work within this exhibition has been selected from a body of work spanning over three decades. Over that period Rob Leighton has created sculptural forms, both figurative and abstract, utilising a range of media ; the ‘matter’ which occupies space and possesses mass.
These forms matter as they are the result of a subject under consideration during the process of creation.
The materials used by Rob when developing the forms has always been a consideration, both aesthetic and practical. As Σ (sigma) is a measurement of variability, which is defined as “ the range of possible outcomes of a given situation’ it seemed a perfect symbol to use within the name of the exhibition.
However, Rob has never given weight to the notion of a hierarchy of materials or to the philosophy of ‘truth to materials’. His works often deceive, the true nature of the matter employed being concealed. In this he could be considered a Sigma male, that is, someone who does not respect the rules of any game. Whether Rob beats the game anyway could be determined by the response to the works within the exhibition.
Whilst a Sigma person is quiet, such a person takes the time to calculate people and their intentions. Rob is happy to discuss his work and material choices with those interested in his work, whether prospective purchasers or simply inquisitive. He will be available to do so throughout the exhibition.
More recently Rob has been giving consideration to the
‘matter’ (materials) used in terms of their environmental impact. Making sculpture requires matter. The choice is diverse, one could almost say infinite. However, the choices become highly constrained when environmental factors are taken into account. Many materials and processes have detrimental environmental impacts. Rob is seeking to employ the ‘least worst’ of these within his recent work and is consciously reducing his personal ‘ environmental footprint’.
Artist in Conversation Wednesday May 4th 6 – 8
Thanks to Rob Leighton for talking so openly about his solo retrospective sculpture show at the May SVAF meeting. Reflecting 3 decades of work, it features some mega sculptures that are deceptively light. His concerns reflect issues around potentially toxic sculptural materials and environmental impact. He now has a flock of sheep as one solution!
This current ‘retrospective’ exhibition is likely to be something of an end and will see the start of very different outcomes in the future.
I have never given weight to the notion of a hierarchy of materials and am happy to use whatever I have to hand.
Recently I have given consideration to the ‘matter’ (materials) used in terms of their environmental impact. Many materials and processes have detrimental environmental impacts and I am now on a new journey, seeking to employ the ‘least worst’ of these within my future work and to consciously reduce my personal ‘environmental footprint’. Such factors are likely to result in rather different outcomes and remain, as yet, still in the experimental stage. Instagram @robleightonsculpture
http://www.robleightonsculptor.co.uk
