CONCRETE AND CARDBOARD – CRUMPLED TREASURES

It is a delight to discover the second exhibition of cardboard sculpture by Charlotte Duffy at Concrete Wardrobe on Broughton Street, writes John Ross Maclean.

Entitled HIGHBROW, the core of the show features heads of five out-of-work philosophers magically fashioned from recycled cardboard.

At once lugubrious, funny and oddly poignant, they make startling statements, such as ‘My name is Nietzsche: May I take your order?’ (right).

Below: ‘Out of work Mill had an interest in a field he had no interest in.’

‘Wittgenstein – now available for children’s parties.’

Ms Duffy has clearly benefited from her studies in Philosophy at St Andrews University.

Apart from the philosophers, there is a splendid miscellany of 14 other characters and objects, including aristocratic animals such as Count Katz, Sir Scruffsalot, Lord Lapin (below), Monsieur Mackerell and Lord Wrinkleton (below below), in which personages Peacock and Smollett would have surely rejoiced.

Ms Duffy’s medium is challenging and complex, but she has made it her own with astonishing skill and dexterity. These are indeed works of art to be admired and treasured by all ages.

And joy of joys, my favourite Narwhal has resurfaced!

Charlotte Duffy’s HIGHBROW continues at Concrete Wardrobe until 31 July.