Overview
Twice Upon a Time reflects a marked progression in Reuben Paterson's work, from the familiarity of his glitter paintings into the 3D space of sculpture. Creatures here occupy real space but are deployed in states of suspended motion. A panther (titled Mona Lisa) lies bored on the ground, barely aware of the nearby painting of a deer (The Pentecost), depicting a victim of an inglorious hit-and-run. The cheery ‘get well soon’ balloon tied to its leg merely adding insult to injury.
David, a life-size bear, stands like a classical sculpture, but with marble or cast metal substituted for a jewelled coat of bronze glitter – this play on exotic fur and feathers continues Paterson’s fascination with patterned textiles. The bear itself, like the other animals in Twice Upon a Time, is exotic to New Zealand, primarily known through stories and films. Its presence here suggests a dialogue of cultures and community.
As always, Paterson asks us to look again, to rethink cultural assumptions and to consider the non-linear plurality of history – twice upon a time.