Tyranny of the Square is the fifth in my series of abstract and intuitive limited edition bronze relief sculptures. A series of sculptural mind maps, translating my subconscious thought into cranked clay relief and cast in bronze using the lost wax process.

An uncomfortable shape

The circle is a recurrent theme of my work. Fluid curvilinea planes, heat bent and flexible tubes and serpentine dragons all share a theme of the cycle of life and death, growth, protection and the self.

For Tyranny of the Square I set myself a simple challenge: start with a square hole. In other words, step out your comfort zone of circles, arcs, fluid curvilinea planes and odd numbers. So, I shelved my ingrained objection to the square, with its symbolic allusions to authority, regulation and restriction.

The emerging structure

The structure and pattern that emerged was an aggregation of vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, and circles of regulated size. Consequently it took on a martial appearance, reminiscent of a military insignia, all order and containment. Even the curving undulating forms couldn’t disrupt the regimented order. But, one rebellious curve dares to step out of geometric line.

Like an M. C. Escher print, however, the ordered form is illusory. The collapsed vertical space imbeds elements of the artifice within one another. Inscribed lines describing their intersection.