Real or illusory? Virtual or physical? Sculptor Glen Hayward teases out these questions in this mind-bending new sculpture, a hand-carved and painted recreation of the famous office cubicle from The Matrix. From the ring binders to the telephone to the pencils in a coffee mug, everything here – like everything in the world of the film – is not quite what it seems.
Hayward's installation I don't want you to worry about me, I have met some Beautiful People was created during the artist's residency at the Rita Angus Cottage in 2012.
In addition, sculptor Glen Hayward and City Gallery Wellington curator Aaron Lister will have a discussion about Hayward's installation I don't want you to worry about me, I have met some Beautiful People as part of SCAF VIP programme.
It is important to note that The Matrix (1999), was filmed at Fox Studios in Sydney, Australia, and in the city itself, although recognizable landmarks were not included in order to maintain the impression of a generic American city. The filming helped establish New South Wales as a major film production centre (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Matrix).
ARTWORK CREDIT:
Glen Hayward
I Don't Want You to Worry About Me, I Have Met Some Beautiful People
Wood, paint.
340 x 220 x 170 cm
Courtesy the artist and PAULNACHE, Gisborne, New Zealand
Available - Price on application
Photography by Hamish McLaren
Biography
Glen Hayward is known for his sculptures of everyday, mass-produced items. Carved from wood and painted exactly as they were as found objects, they masquerade as the real. Hayward completed his doctoral dissertation at Auckland University's Elam School of Fine Arts in 2005.
Recent solo shows include: Sign Field, PAULNACHE (2014); “I don't want you to worry about me I have met some Beautiful People”, City Gallery Wellington and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu (2013); Mirrorworld, McCahon house open studio, Auckland Arts Festival (2011).
Group shows include: Lying in Space, 30upstairs (2014); The Obstinate object, curators Aaron Lister and Abbey Cunnae, City Gallery, Wellington (2012); Debuilding, curator Justin Paton, Christchurch City Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu,Christchurch (2011); Call Waiting, curator Alexa Johnston, Auckland City Art Gallery (NEW), Auckland (2010); Reboot, The Jim and Mary Barr Collection, curator Justin Paton, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Christchurch Art Gallery and Wellington City Gallery (2006-2007).