Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995 (detail). Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995 (detail). Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Invitation card.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Invitation card.
Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.

Matthew Tickle, Scrutiny, 1995. Installation view courtesy the artist and Matt’s Gallery, London.

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Matthew Tickle

Scrutiny

21 June – 13 August 1995

Copperfield Road

In this new work by Matthew Tickle an object designed by the artist, of which the exact derivation is intentionally obscured (although it is reminiscent of cabinet making or an architectural form), has been positioned on the edge of the gallery space. A placement which suggests a reluctance to take centre stage and a position of authority.

The object is composed of two halves (upper and lower) which mirror each other exactly, suggesting an internalising force which resists the interruption of the outside world. This is reinforced by the highly polished and impenetrable lacquered surface of the object.

The gallery's halogen lighting and tracking has been removed from the ceiling and rearranged in a pitched configuration to illuminate intensely this inscrutable object. The lighting also produces heat which amongst other readings suggests the object is involved in the process of incubation.

An electricity meter mounted on the gallery wall monitors the consumption of power by the lights. Set at zero at the inception of the work, the meter is analogous to a clock with digital and analogue displays registering the duration of the halogen lamps scrutinising glare.

This exhibition is supported by the Prudential Awards for the Arts 1994.