But, But 2013

Peter Downsbrough made *But, But,* out of painted metal, arranged directly on the wall. At first glance, these dark lines may seem simple, almost diagrammatic. But look closer, and you’ll notice a careful attention to placement and proportion. The metal has been fabricated with clean edges, and the matte black paint emphasizes the linear quality of the work. The way the components are made and installed really matters. Downsbrough is playing with architectural space, using minimal means to subtly alter our perception. The word ‘but,’ repeated and reversed, introduces a linguistic element that complicates the visual experience. It’s like a little wrench thrown into the gears of our understanding, disrupting our expectations. By bringing industrial materials and simple construction techniques into the gallery, Downsbrough challenges traditional notions of art. It’s not about skilled craftsmanship, but about thoughtful intervention. This encourages us to see the everyday world around us with fresh eyes.