Exhibition Bare Machine

Bare Machine

Galerie Bart proudly presents the solo exhibition 'Bare Machine' by Lawrence James Bailey (1976, UK), which explores the impact of a rapidly changing world on human nature. The title refers to the precarious balance of global institutions and the societal norms we impose on ourselves. Lawrence satirically illustrates the individual who is left 'naked' and isolated in this story. Bare Machine is a plea for the unknown and the elusive, but keeps in mind what unites us as human beings.

The figures in Lawrence’s work seem to float between two different worlds: on the one hand they are part of the wilderness, but at the same time they are alienated from it. Characterized by blank facial expressions and vulnerable poses, the figures evoke a sense of uncertainty within the landscape. They move between opposites such as order and chaos; the domestic and the wilderness. In doing so, they embody themes of disconnection, transformation and the balance between wanting to belong and being outside the group in a broken world.

In his technique, Lawrence uses colored fabrics for shading and threads to soften transitions, blend colors, or add detail. He draws inspiration from the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement, Romanticism, post-apocalyptic films from the 1980s, and historical periods of unrest.

In addition to the complex themes, Lawrence's work encompasses a sense of optimism and progress. With humorous elements such as dancing figures and camouflage patterns, he refers to the idyllic state in which people become one with their surroundings. This is Lawrence's invitation to reconnect with our primitive origins and to shake off societal constructs.