Artist Gavin goes solo (From Stroud News and Journal)

Artist Gavin goes solo

ARTIST Gavin McClafferty opens his first solo exhibition in four years at the Stroud Valleys Artspace this weekend.

McClafferty, who moved to Stroud three years ago, last exhibited in the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton and has worked since 1989 on various projects, including creating temporary installations for raves, in a number of foundries - where he worked on sculptures by Sarah Lucas and Anish Kapoor amongst others - and as lead artist for the Lizard Festival.

"This exhibition is a move back to pure sculpture," he said, "but gender politics and humour still play a large part in my work.

I'm into that thing where inanimate objects come to life. Many of the works have domestic settings - I like the suggestion of a story or a history."

McClafferty moved to Stroud to raise his children with his Stroud-born partner and this shift appears to have changed his artistic perspectives.

"My art is more relaxed than it's ever been," he said. "The exhibition came together very quickly. It's giving more space to the viewer to superimpose their own narratives, their own politics."

McClafferty uses recycled material. "I like giving things new meaning," he said. "Getting a door to tell a story, investing a door with new meaning, showing respect to the object."

The show includes some text-based plasma cut metal panels describing his views on art, culture and politics and are influenced by Barbara Kruger and Tracey Emin.

The show takes place at the Artspace on John Street from Monday, November 15 to December 4 and is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm, Admission is free.