Nick Bailey

Description

My work inhabits a realm of mild disappointment and temptation: the apparatus that composed the work lure through traditionally tactile objects such as buttons, switches, handles and hammers. These often readily recognisable and archetypal objects provide a launch pad to understanding notions and concepts behind the work, using both a simple, charming language of familiarity and the more intricate language of whimsical desire and self-restraint.
The work draws the audience into questioning their conventional role; a viewer is compelled to gauge whether it is acceptable to physically engage with the work, whilst coming to an understanding of what the physical form of the artwork offers. One is reminded that, at best, this still only amounts to physical contact with an object or objects, and while the ‘toucher’ may be momentarily rewarded with some form of reaction or consequence this is only a superficial disguise for base positive reinforcement.