This exhibition explores the ongoing importance of abstraction in the work of Mount Brydges, Ontario-based sculptor Patrick Thibert, tracking important themes inspiring his practice for more than forty years. Thibert is well known for his large-scale sculptures of the 1970s and 80s, which feature billowing line and smooth planes, heavier, oxidized forms, and geometric patterns of darkened steel or aluminum tubing. While including many of these works, the exhibition expands our understanding of his efforts through studies, formal drawings, models, and, importantly, through a variety of new works.
The “abstraction” of the exhibition title refers not only to heavily stylized or non-representational views or objects, but also alludes to Thibert’s emphasis on being open to artistic possibilities suggested by process and materials. Divided into four main themes, Abstraction to Abstraction explores early, longstanding sculptural interests, which Thibert has revisited over the past four years, although this time exploring the pictorial character of abstraction. Primarily expressed in wall-dependent formats, these efforts combine the materials, techniques and effects of both painting and sculpture. A Museum London catalogue accompanies this exhibition and is available in the Muse gift shop.