Nathaniel Robinson's fifth solo show with Devening Projects, titled "Rooms With Rooms and Games," presents a truly unique and odd artistic experience. For those accustomed to his paintings—small, sweet, and filled with nostalgia yet lacking sentimentality—this exhibition comes as a jarring contrast. Each high-tension, jewel-like installation is ingeniously suspended in space, attached to individualized bracket systems that merge with their sculptural forms. One is left feeling adrift among a collection of works that are acutely aware of their place in the gallery environment and make one acutely aware of it as well.

"Discover the Intriguing World of Nathaniel Robinson's Installations"

Installation Suspended in Space

The installations in this show are not your typical artworks. They are cleverly suspended in space, creating a sense of weightlessness and allowing viewers to engage with them from different angles. The individualized bracket systems add an extra layer of complexity, marrying the sculptures to their surroundings in a seamless manner. This unique approach makes each installation a visual delight and a challenge for the viewer to fully appreciate. 1: The way these installations are suspended gives them a sense of otherworldliness. It's as if they are floating in mid-air, defying gravity and inviting the viewer to explore. The attention to detail in the bracket systems is remarkable, as they not only hold the sculptures in place but also enhance their visual impact. Each installation becomes a focal point in the gallery, drawing the viewer's attention and making them pause to take in the beauty and complexity of the work. 2: The suspended installations also create a sense of movement and energy. As the viewer moves around the gallery, they can see the installations from different perspectives, and the light plays off them in different ways. This creates a dynamic and engaging experience that keeps the viewer coming back for more. It's a testament to Robinson's artistic vision and his ability to create installations that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

Self-Contained Works Requiring Navigation

Works like Room With Closet and Droppings and Room With Large Paintings are highly self-contained. They don't necessarily need viewers to fully appreciate them, as they have their own internal logic and beauty. However, engaging with these works requires navigation, stooping, and peering. One must carefully intrude into their personal space to fully understand their essence. 1: These self-contained works force the viewer to become an active participant in the art experience. Instead of simply standing back and observing, one must physically engage with the work to uncover its secrets. This adds an element of interactivity to the exhibition, making it a more immersive and engaging experience. It also challenges the viewer's perception and understanding of art, as they are forced to confront the work on a more personal level. 2: The need for navigation also adds a sense of adventure to the exhibition. As the viewer moves through the gallery, they are like explorers discovering new territories. Each room and installation holds its own surprises and delights, and the act of navigating through them becomes a journey in itself. It's a testament to Robinson's ability to create a world within the gallery that is both captivating and mysterious.

Bandai-Namco S.H.Figurearts in the Sculptures

Bandai-Namco S.H.Figurearts body-kuns—movable figures used for drawing—make a sparing appearance in the sculptures. Robinson notes in the exhibition text that these figures felt like a risk, which was a good thing. 1: The inclusion of these movable figures adds an unexpected element to the sculptures. They strip the work of the softness that Robinson is known for, replacing it with a locked-in sense of scale. This creates less ambiguous and more dread-filled encounters with the work, as the figures add a sense of tension and mystery. 2: The movable figures also add a touch of playfulness to the sculptures. They invite the viewer to interact with them, to imagine different scenarios and stories. This adds another layer of depth to the exhibition, making it a more multi-faceted and engaging experience. It's a testament to Robinson's ability to incorporate different elements into his work and create a cohesive and captivating whole.In conclusion, Nathaniel Robinson's "Rooms With Rooms and Games" is a truly remarkable exhibition that challenges our perceptions of art and invites us to engage with it on a deeper level. The suspended installations, self-contained works, and the inclusion of Bandai-Namco S.H.Figurearts all contribute to a unique and unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.