Statement

Artist Statement James Moffett

My sculptures are inspired by Alfred Jarry’s absurd but menacing character ‘Ubu Roi’.

The inflatable inner part is made of latex, a natural, expandable and ephemeral material. Like all things biological it decays with time.

Inflation is through bicycle tyre valves, a reference to Jarry’s interest in cycling.
The frames are made of laser cut mild steel – man made, durable, technological. This can be seen as another reference to Jarry – his Super Male.

There is a synergy between these two materials. The steel frames control the shape of the latex while allowing orthogonal expansion, and without them the seams would unpeel. As with all living systems there is a balance between growth and control.

I see them also as a metaphor for society, where a balance needs to be struck between tyranny and anarchy. The framework of a civilisation can last much longer than the individuals of its population, which needs sustenance and renewal by the cycle of birth and death. Similarly, the latex in my sculptures needs regular re-inflation, and when faded and perished, renewal.

The 17th century philosopher Thomas Hobbs saw society as being like a man, but bigger, a Leviathan. He said also that to understand others you should look into yourself. Conversely, observing extreme behaviour in others, and the civilisations that mould them, can give us insights into ourselves that we might prefer remained hidden. There is a little of Ubu in each of us.