Arist Research- Alistere Mackie

 

Whilst studying on the Access to Art and Design course with Sam, before beginning my degree, I visited the Body Remade exhibition at Lakeside Arts. One piece that has stayed with me ever since was a sculpture by Alastair Mackie made from hundreds of tiny mouse skulls assembled into a sphere. The work was incredibly impressive, not only because of the sheer number of skulls used, but because of the delicate way they were constructed together. Although the sphere appeared solid, you could see that it was hollow inside. This balance between strength and fragility is what fascinated me most.

The sculpture reminded me of a tower of playing cards or a line of dominoes carefully arranged in place. There was a feeling that the structure could collapse at any moment if disturbed, yet it remained perfectly balanced. That sense of delicacy is something I would like to capture in my own sculpture. I want the viewer to recognise the fragility of the structure whilst also appreciating the careful construction that holds it together. Much like Mackie's skull sphere, I hope to create a piece that appears light, vulnerable and intricate, while still maintaining its overall form.