Tim Shaw
 Sculptor
 
The Dance of the Middle World
  
 

The Dance of the Middle World

The Dance of the Middle World; is a large and highly complex sculpture installation that has been created over a period of eight years.
The work is composed of seventy small bronze and terra cotta figures. These are arranged upon an organic/architectural structure that is partly modelled and partly cast in cement fondu, reinforced with steel. The work depicts a strange and timeless limbo world, that encompasses an element of magic.
It is ..."a meeting place, a waiting room, the still procession where life and death, joy and despair, light and darkness intersect into chaotic disorder.
Time, place and all form of definition become valueless and are thrown out of context.

 


Using references from different ages, the past is merged with the present to create a sense of the apocalyptic.
Vulcan bombers and satellite dishes are subtly merged with Christian and pagan symbolism.. The overall shape of the sculpture is reminiscent of both an alter and a pinball machine.

The Dance of the Middle World must be exhibited in a dark empty space, illuminated by a spotlight.
Dimensions of work when assembled: Height: 280cm Width: 120cm Length: 230cm		  

 
Details From: The Rites of Dionysos - Eden Project
  
  The Rites of Dionysus

Based on the Dionysian Rituals, this multifigured installation is in the early stages of development, due to be completed by Spring 2003.
The work will consist of between 15 - 20 Copper lifesize figures that will stand, dance and writhe amongst the vines .
During the months that follow, new figures will be added to this area, echoing the changing nature of the vines. " As the newly established vines develop, new shoots will appear, twisting and turning on a journey through light and space.
As the seasons turn, vines will be pruned back, making way for new growth. I want my figures to reflect the 'Dance of Change' , altering, cutting and reshaping form to reflect the movement of plant growth.
I want plant form and sculpted form to merge into one dance. "		  
In September 1999, Eden's Creative Team invited me to interpret a story that was associated with vine growing .
It became apparent that Dionysus, Greek God of the Vine (later known as Bacchus by the Romans) was the appropriate subject for the job.
Dionysian's Mythologies gave me vision, inspiration and most significantly provided a connection with the Ancient World. \ Dionysus is depicted as a bull who presides over his followers the Maenads, who dance ecstatically throughout the vines .

It is intended that the Bacchanal will be accompanied by a Light and Sound Installation . 		 

The Drummer
 
 
Drummer
Cement Fondu
Approx: H: 200cms W: 180cms D: 90cms



 
Details From : La Corrida - Dreams in Red
  
 

La Corrida - Dreams in Red

La Corrida - Dreams in Red; Depicts a world that rages with an explosive energy, passion and grace. It is a world where elements of brutality, sensuality and beauty are merged together.... and where the past and present meet on the same level.

The participants inhabit a ‘dark world' which is driven by an ever present awareness of death. Bulls charge across the arena, figures dance, turn and gesture, as if with the last drop of blood before dying.

The work consists of a cast of small modelled bulls, horses, Toreadors and dancers. These are placed in groups upon a drum shaped table which is covered in a thin layer of red pigment.

  
The figures are illuminated by coloured spotlight and ultra-violet light. Fibre-optic light projects shadows from the figures onto the surrounding gallery walls, to the sound of processional trumpet music.
This music is punctuated by voices from Spanish radio. The work expresses a world that is on a knife edge in terms of customs and cultural values, between life and death and where the past walks into the present moment and grace, eloquence and energy are one. La Corrida - Dreams in Red was inspired during a three month working (residence) stay with The Delfina Studies Trust in Andalucia, Spain in 1996.

Dimensions of work when assembled:
Table height: 120cm Table diameter: 300cm 		 
Visit Tim's website to view more of his work.

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