Spadge Hopkins Artist - Machin (sic) Series of Sculptures

Machin (sic)

Machin (sic) Series

The Machin (sic) Series are made of found mechanical components in order to explore the questions of value. Adapting the 'Nouveau Realiste' aesthetic that favoured the use of everyday and discarded objects for poetic ends, they have been purposely made from many perfectly serviceable, valuable and high-specification components.

The sculptures are also an expression of Spadge's appreciation of the form and function of mechanical components that are so often unseen when they are performing their intended task.

Machin (sic) 4

Machin (sic) 1

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
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Machin (sic) 2

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
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Machin (sic) 3

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
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Machin (sic) 4

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
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Machin (sic) 1 'From The Studio Floor' Town Hall Galleries Ipswich
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Machin (sic) 4 'From The Studio Floor' The Cambridge Guildhall
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Machin (sic) 1

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
Button
Button
Machin (sic) 2

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
Button
Button
Button
Machin (sic) 3

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
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Machin (sic) 4

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
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Copyright
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Machin (sic) 1 'From The Studio Floor' Town Hall Galleries Ipswich
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Machin (sic) 4 'From The Studio Floor' The Cambridge Guildhall
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Artworks can be purchased from the artist. Please contact Spadge directly if you wish to make an enquiry.

Sculptures are all available as indoor or outdoor sculptures.

The indoor sculptures can be scaled up and surface treated to allow them to live outdoors.

Many of Spadge’s pieces are unique. Several of his copper sculptures have been hand made in a limited batch of 5. The process of laser cutting which is all done by Spadge himself except for the actual machine work, lends itself to mass-production. However, all Spadge’s designs are limited to a run of 10, no matter what size. They are now marked as ev (edition Variee) */10 as well as being signed.

spadge@spadgehopkins.co.uk

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Machin (sic) 1

Machin (sic) 2

Machin (sic) 3

Machin (sic) 4

Machin (sic) 1

Machin (sic) 2

Machin (sic) 3

Machin (sic) 4