What They Say
Prof. Andrew Stonyer
Of theUniversity of Gloucestershire writing about 'Architectural Apparatus No.1 [Divisor]' for the Axisweb 'MAstars' award
August 2008
University of Gloucestershire writing about 'Architectural Apparatus No.1 [Divisor]' for the Axisweb 'MA-stars' award (see www.axisweb.org)
"Particularly significant in the exhibition was the extensive installation called ‘Architectural Apparatus No. 1 (Divisor)’ by Douglas Clark. This installation consists of a curving wall and a circular tower that is all made from standard gauge corrugated galvanised steel. He uses the material so that the curvature of his wall holds up under its own strength; consistent with this the tower is round. By using the material in this way Douglas gives a masterly demonstration of its structural potential as a free standing planar material", meanwhile the observance of curvature as a quality and leitmotif has a poignant simplicity and consistency throughout the installation. This said, the overall impression of this structure is one of malevolence, the wall signifying a divider with political and psychological associations, more menacing still is the tower that resembles a watch tower conveying all the trappings of surveillance and big brother mind bending techniques. Upon first impressions the wall seems to be protecting that which is behind it, but as one walks around the installation one realises there is no inside nor outside, instead there is a duality, the wall can be seen from both sides as can the tower. Equally surprising is the tower that has neither door nor any discernable entrance. This gives the work a deep irony suggesting that states of mind and being, such as malevolence have inherent limitations in terms of duration and intensity. It is unusual to see such an ambitious and coherent work in any student exhibition, therefore Douglas is to be congratulated.
Katie O'Brian
Director of 44AD Artspace
Writing about 'The Humanity Monument'
2016
"I knew it was a powerful artwork. I loved the works aesthetic, scale, materials - it’s brightly demanding conceptual directness".
"I was delighted! We had just found the perfect principle artwork for the exhibition - along with a theme and title!
As the visual centrepiece of the exhibition, as a social commentary so relevant today, and as a precursory theme for the exhibiting artists - The Humanity Monument can only demand a response".