An emerging kinetic sculptor is set to complement the work of Len Lye in a new exhibition at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

Curated by Tyler Cann, Double harmonic: Len Lye & Tony Nicholls is the latest in a series of summer exhibitions to draw on the Len Lye Collection housed at the Gallery. It explores the resonance of sound and motion across half a century, placing Lye’s pioneering kinetic sculpture in dialogue with work by contemporary New Plymouth-born artist Tony Nicholls.

Director Rhana Devenport says:  “It is wonderful to see a contemporary artist expand the possibilities of composing motion pioneered by Len Lye. The exhibition shows the continued relevance of Lye’s work in the 21st century.”

In works like Blade 1976, Lye used electric motors to animate stainless steel elements into thunderous moving compositions. Nicholls extends the relationship between sound and motion by using audio speakers to activate light materials such as polystyrene, balsa wood, and string.

Curator Tyler Cann says: “Lye wanted to reveal the sounds made by his sculptural materials when they are put in motion. Nicholls lets sound itself drive the movement. “

While Lye’s work is frequently loud, the computer generated and chance-based sound waves that Nicholls uses often fall below the threshold of human hearing; their presence is manifested as motion.

“Nicholls’ work allows you to see the sounds you can’t hear,” Cann says.

Double harmonic: Len Lye & Tony Nicholls 9 December – 25 March 2007.

For more information please contact hannahl@govettbrewster.com.