David Rickard: O / 20 September - 19 November 2016

David Rickard, C, 2016, LED lighting, 300 x 300cm x 7cm, and binoculars, 8’ 20”, oscillating loop video, installation view at Copperfield, London

David Rickard, C, 2016, LED lighting, 300 x 300cm x 7cm, and binoculars, 8’ 20”, oscillating loop video, installation view at Copperfield, London

David Rickard, I, 2016, capsule endoscopy pill on shelf opposite video viewed by peep hole (Installation view)

David Rickard, I, 2016, video viewed by peep hole and capsule endoscopy pill on shelf opposite (still)

David Rickard, I, 2016, video viewed by peep hole and capsule endoscopy pill on shelf opposite (installation view)

Copperfield Gallery is pleased to present, O, a solo exhibition by David Rickard (b. New Zealand 1975) which engages with our perception of self and the world beyond.
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The zero point between the internal and external is a curious place. In terms of painting, the 'picture plane' supposedly exists exactly between the space in front of and receding into a painting. Extending this concept in terms of self, the exhibition places the viewer squarely between what is perceived to be external in the work 'C', and internal in the work, 'I'.



C



The title of the central video installation, 'C', refers simultaneously to the symbol for the speed of light and to the digital shorthand for the word 'see'. Programmed to bend and abstract footage of a seascape, the waves now wash onto an endless central shore. As digital advertising becomes increasingly prevalent as a means of visual communication, it is fitting that a work about sight essentially hacks this technology. Designed to be viewed from substantial distances, the resolution of the LED facade breaks down in the gallery space. Drawing on this malfunction, Rickard gives us only one clear glimpse of the footage - through a pair of binoculars, backwards.



I



Next to the scale of ‘C’, the accompanying work ‘I’ could almost be overlooked. A peephole in one wall and a small pill sized camera opposite are the only indication it exists. Peering through into the gallery storage, a video reveals the internal architecture of the artist's body. Mounted at the height of Rickard's mouth when seated, the peephole plays back the passage taken by a capsule endoscopy camera as it travels from mouth to colon, forming an internal self-portrait. Drawing our attention to what is inside and out points ultimately to our daily  condition, our existence at the blurred threshold between the two.  

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Click here to see the artist CV.

With Thanks To
​ADLF & VML technologies for their invaluable assistance.
The Chapter of Southwark Cathedral for their ongoing support.
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