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‘An Introduction to Voidness’ at Zamalek Art Gallery

Zamalek Art Gallery: ‘An Introduction to Voidness’ by Nathan Doss

reviewed by
Katie Dryden
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Zamalek Art Gallery: ‘An Introduction to Voidness’ by Nathan Doss

Currently showcased at Zamalek Art Gallery’s Venue II, An Introduction to Voidness is an exhibition featuring a collection of exquisite bronze sculptures by Nathan Doss.  

Doss’ unique sculpture pieces stand out inside the spacious gallery, with his style evokinga sense of the mystical, particularly when it comes to the lean stick-figures he has created, which appear to be stretching and reaching out for something. 

Perhaps the most interesting aspect in those pieces is that though they feature both an object and a figure; the artist incorporates the two in such a way that they appear as one. In fact, in several of Doss’s sculptures, the viewer needs to apply much more focus in order to single out the figure entwined with the object. 

One particular piece demonstrating that approach features a tall, lean figure thrusting a shovel into the ground. Both the man and the shovel are similar when it comes to their long, wiry shapes which have been merged together as though they are one. 

A second sculpture depicts a man entangled within a kind of webbed-frame, though he doesn’t appear stuck or imprisoned by it, but rather part of it. This presents us with an entirely new object.

The title An Introduction to Voidness may be a reference to Doss’s style, which evokes many pieces containing holes similar to the ones we see in a honeycomb or a sheet of wire mesh.  An Introduction to Voidness can also indicate a different kind of emptiness; one that exists inside a human being.

Born in Mallawy, in 1971, Doss earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1993. His subject matter varies within his sculptures,though most of his work is quite figurative and there is a small number which is more difficult to interpret due to a more abstract style.

With an intriguing collection of small scenery, birds and people all created from bronze and incorporated into one dazzling display; An Introduction to Voidness is a highly recommended exhibition with so much to offer; especially when it comes to some insights into Doss’ interesting sculpting approach.

360 Tip

This exhibition will be on display until 29th February 2016.

Best Bit

The bronze material used to create the sculptures works well with Zamalek Art Gallery’s efficient lighting giving the entire space an artistic glow.

Worst Bit

The exhibition features only sculptures and no other artistic styles or medium.  

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