ALAN CONSTABLE CLAY CAMERAS

CCP SHOP SPACE

Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP)

Wednesday 21 January 2009 to Monday 23 March 2009
As a child, Alan Constable constructed intricate models of cameras from scraps of cardboard and glue. In his recent work he re-visits and re-invents the camera using images from 1960s and more recent National Geographic magazines.

These internally structured cameras are made from glazed ceramic. This suggests a sense of weight and tactility which is consistent with Constable’s working methods, which primarily involve touch. “Alan’s imagination allows him to explore what he knows exists but cannot see, often re-inventing where necessary various hidden chambers for film and spools.”1

Constable’s finger marks clearly remain within the work as traces of humanity, enabling them to be seen as lyrical interpretations of what are very technical instruments. In this way, an Alan Constable camera can be viewed as an extension of the human body, rather than a direct replica.

Katie Jacobs

1 Simone Ewenson 2007

clay sculpture of sixties film camera
(not titled)
© All rights reserved Alan Constable 2007 Australia
Alan Constable (not titled) 2007, ceramic, 19 x 31.3 x10.7 cm