New Space

By Proxy

 seeks to clearly showcase what separates the hand from the machine. The grid was chosen as a design motif because it is the natural domain of the computer: all straight lines and perfect alignment. But, rather than execute this with a suitable machine, the hand and the eye were put up to the task. This painting was created without the aid of any measuring tools or straight edges. Instead, it was created free-hand, using the eye to estimate equal spacings and straight lines.

The result puts the "imperfections" of the body plainly on the paper to see. But, rather than detracting from the work, we find that these subtle variations add richness and complexity to what we see. In some sense, the flaws of the body are a limitation, but in another sense, they are an advantage over the shallowly precise capabilities of the computer.

 was included in Hobbs’ 2023 solo exhibition, "Mechanical Hand", at Unit London.