Mermaidmischief 2009

John Chamberlain made "Mermaidmischief," a sculpture that, from the looks of it, could be made from crushed cars or other metal, probably sometime in the late 20th or early 21st century. This sculpture has such a playful, energetic vibe. It's almost like Chamberlain balled up all these different colours, mainly greens, into one knot, creating something super dense and complex. I love how the surface catches the light; you can almost feel the texture. There's this one area where the metal twists and turns, like a chaotic scribble in three dimensions. Chamberlain’s use of found materials reminds me a little of Kurt Schwitters, who also made art from things he found lying around. Both artists challenge our perceptions of value and beauty. Ultimately, this sculpture tells us that art doesn't always have to be serious. It can be messy, funny, and full of surprises.