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{How Long?}
2015
String, measuring device
Dimensions variable
Photography: Fay Stevens
“How long is a piece of string?” is of course meant to indicate an unknowable state of affairs and a lack of sufficient information. But really, how difficult is it to measure a piece of string? How Long? attempts to find out. This very literal interpretation of an open question suggests perhaps a failure of communication – a failure on the part of the measurer to understand what is being asked. But perhaps it may instead be a refusal by the measurer to accept the terms of the question: a rejection of the implied shrug of the shoulders and the accompanying resignation to the presumed unknowability. Maybe in the end the question does prove to be unanswerable, but should that stop us from trying? Let’s get that tape measure out and give it a go. How Long? inhabits the space between understanding and misinterpretation, between complexity and simplicity, and between optimism and pessimism.
Exhibited at Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury as part of The Space Between, curated by Fay Stevens
String, measuring device
Dimensions variable
Photography: Fay Stevens
“How long is a piece of string?” is of course meant to indicate an unknowable state of affairs and a lack of sufficient information. But really, how difficult is it to measure a piece of string? How Long? attempts to find out. This very literal interpretation of an open question suggests perhaps a failure of communication – a failure on the part of the measurer to understand what is being asked. But perhaps it may instead be a refusal by the measurer to accept the terms of the question: a rejection of the implied shrug of the shoulders and the accompanying resignation to the presumed unknowability. Maybe in the end the question does prove to be unanswerable, but should that stop us from trying? Let’s get that tape measure out and give it a go. How Long? inhabits the space between understanding and misinterpretation, between complexity and simplicity, and between optimism and pessimism.
Exhibited at Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury as part of The Space Between, curated by Fay Stevens
"It was as pleasure to work with Robert when he took part in 'The Space Between' in early 2015. He responded to Salisbury Arts Centre by making How Long?, a new work which was installed directly on the gallery wall. Robert revisited several times throughout the exhibition making additions each time. At first glance the work seemed to be an odd collection of string and pins but on closer inspection a playful experimentation with ideas of measurement, understanding and accuracy was revealed."
Fiona Cassidy, Visual Arts and Exhibitions Manager