GRASP THE SPARROW’S TAIL

GRASP THE SPARROW’S TAIL

This work takes its title from a tai chi sequence that involves many subtle shifts of weight. At a certain moment one hand lightly brushes over the other before both hands draw back to push an invisible assailant.

A number of plausible narratives coexist in this work, depending on whether you speak to Dunhill or O’Brien. Even then their mood and the time of day may determine different responses. Their frequent attempts to master grasping the sparrow’s tail; or casting rocks over 20 years ago; or finding unused handkerchiefs in a carved wooden box; or remembering a poignant sequence in a Taviani Brothers Film (Kaos); or lamenting the absurdity of Brexit; or the Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation – they are asking this modest work to make room for rather a lot. Their real and persistent preoccupation and dilemma – how to make sculpture together – has resulted in a work where making has become the lightest of interactions.