The Art of SmartPly

THE UNDERCROFT by Vincent Mauger
Fabrica summer exhibition, Duke Street, Brighton
5th July - 25th August

This summer, a new commission by Fabrica, a Brighton-based gallery promoting understanding of contemporary art, has seen the creation of a magical blend of fractal landscape and architectural folly in the form of The Undercroft.

A topological pavilion by French artist Vincent Mauger, it seems to erupt from the ground of the deconsecrated church in which Fabrica is located, like an exposed crypt or vented volcanic cavern. The Undercroft reflects a paradox; dramatic in its structure, it is also a calming and peaceful lattice that complements the internal architecture of the former Regency church.

Mauger has built this enchanting construction from 250 sheets of 18mm oriented strand board manufactured by FSC certified SmartPly OSB, supplied by Covers in Chichester. He has created an impression of space and depth using such an everyday and easily obtainable material, whilst testing how we, the viewer, perceive that illusion. At first sight, his formal concerns bring to mind the geometry of computer-aided design, but closer inspection reveals an artisan's pride in carefully crafted detail. Fabrica's exhibition organiser Jonathan Swain explains "Vincent wanted to boldness of OSB for this installation. The common, familiarity of the material was very important and the 18mm SmartPly has the solidity and strength necessary for the dowling and screw fixings needed to create the huge structure. Visually, the colour has great appeal and the potential for a real wood smell will get more of visitors senses engaged than they might have expected."

Ann Miles, Cover's group product manager for timber and sheet materials says "The requirement from the artist and Fabrica was specifically for SmartPly OSB3 - a material we are normally familiar with for hoarding and timber frame construction but are very excited to see used in this unique and dramatic way."

Prolific sculptor Vincent Mauger lives and works in Nantes. Over the past year he has had his work shown by several European galleries including Code/Buro in Brussels, gallerie LH Paris, MCNN in Nevers and at the Loire regional FRAC in Nantes. The Undercroft is both Mauger's first British commission and his first solo exhibition in Britain.

23 June 2008