My work concerns itself with the information both inherent and hidden in the iconic forms and the materials of our natural world. The sculpture pieces mimic or derive from recognizable (usually) biomorphic forms, often enlarged or altered and often developed into more minimal statements. While the forms remain unthreatening and familiar, certain details, seams, edges, openings or surfaces speak of additional information unrevealed, requiring the viewer to further examine and question origin, intent and purpose.
The sculptures speak of the fragility and strength in natural forms. It is this balance which I like to explore. The surfaces are muscular and male but the overall feeling of each piece is feminine. The tin can pieces appear armored and protected and yet they are slit all around their midsections, allowing for cognitive and physical penetration.
The work encloses space, encases it; yet does not own it outright. It is what remains hidden that seems to be stimulating our curiosity. The viewer begins to see that the mere outline of a piece or even its three dimensional presence does not totally describe it. We are left wondering about the interior of each piece. This constant inherent struggle of interiority and exteriority is what the work conveys. The correlation to the human condition is unspoken but overwhelmingly present.
Peter Dellert
