Machin (sic) 1 has been purposely made from many perfectly serviceable, valuable and high specification components. They are brought together as a seemingly impressive mechanical device, mounted on bearings that allow it to be turned, further reinforcing the impression of complexity and effectiveness. Despite the attractive and uniform finish of the components, and impressive form coupled with an initial impression of functionality, the machine is flawed; hence the title. The gears do not mesh. The chain does not engage.

Sculpture 210 x 200 x 200 mm – steel

Plinth 110 x 130 x 160 mm – wood

Machin (sic) 2 is a larger, bolder and more detailed expression of the original theme. The use of the mirrored plinth makes for an interesting exploration of the under-workings of the piece. An additional influence that informed this sculpture is the machine drawn by Nick Mason for the cover of an early Pink Floyd album cover.

Components are brought together as a seemingly impressive mechanical device, with two shafts that turn and are connected by a chain drive, further reinforcing the impression of complexity and effectiveness. Yet the chain does not engage properly with the sprocket and slips.

Like Duchamp’s bicycle wheel, visitors are invited to rotate the piece continuing his theme that art is not untouchable or precious.

Sculpture 350 x 350 x 300 mm – steel 

Plinth circular mirror on mirrored box - 450 x 450 x100 mm

Machin (sic) 3 features gear sets that mesh and move when operated by a green lever but crunch and grind when the red lever is operated.  Other useless or dysfunctional but aesthetically pleasing elements are important in this piece also. Spadge was inspired by Man Ray’s transformation of a working object into a non-functional one during his work on this series of sculptures.

Sculpture 300 x 300 x 400 mm –steel

Machin (sic) 4 returns to the original theme of a large round machine bed that rotates on a bearing. This time it is driven by a tall shaft that has confusing arrows of instruction. Once again, chains are jammed and components misplaced. The inexact “Please do touch” plate and corresponding Braille plate echo the sentiments of Duchamp’s bicycle wheel, as visitors are invited to explore the pieces continuing his theme that art is not untouchable or precious.

Steel Sculpture and wooden plinth 320 x 340 x 430 mm

Copyright 

Machin (sic) 1 'From The Studio Floor' Town Hall Galleries Ipswich

Machin (sic) 4 'From The Studio Floor' The Cambridge Guildhall