★ ★ ★ ★
The moment you enter the exhibition, you feel you are entering a private space. There is something so intimate about Larry’s work, you feel like you are intruding into his bedroom. You are greeted by a collage of cut-out images that spread up the wall; showing everything from our former PM to weightlifting exercises. Nearby is a television showing an interview with Larry, his personality as evident on film as it is in the room of work.
Larry’s work includes experimental notebooks, photo collages and collections of Barbies, Kens and X-Men, arranged amongst Lego thrones and plinths (perhaps a physical 3-D collage). In Larry’s accessible attitude to his work, he invites visitors to build Lego furniture and arrange dolls as we wish (would our other contemporary artists be as generous?) .
it is in his drawings that Larry is at his most conventional. We see considered, naive yet minimal compositions giving us Dolly Parton, Skyscrapers and even Larry Weightlifting.
It was in his notebooks and photo albums that I found the deepest connection. The arrangement was so personal; a curation of a life in delicate, fragile pages. Bursting with humour and history, and all of it welcoming. It is rare that a family album of a stranger conjures so much familiarity. It is a testament to Larry’s artistic ability, that he can cut through to something deep and meaningful with his collages.
The decision, perhaps by the gallery to not include text by each work, felt a little confusing at times, trying to match the work to the corresponding title on a printed list; I could’ve done with a little more guidance. Perhaps this was intentional, allowing you see the entire exhibition as one large work?
Larry McAree is an assured visual artist; his subjects are well defined and the application of mixed media, found object and personal drawings allow the viewer to take a journey into Larry’s life, which is at times profound, amusing and very much the sum of the man himself.
Larry McAree – Still Livin’ Atypical Gallery, Until 21st October 11am – 5pm (Free)
