James Capper : Rotary Paintings and Hydra Painter

Albion Barn is pleased to present an exhibition of recent works by James Capper.  The ROTARY PAINTINGS form a significant body of work created using the HYDRA PAINTER - a hydraulic painting machine. The first iteration of HYDRA PAINTER, built in 2015, is a basic machine consisting of a small square table with a hole in the middle to allow the spindle of a hydraulic motor through it, attached to which is a beam affixed with paint rollers. Despite initial successful tests, HYDRA PAINTER was packed away and sat in storage until Capper rediscovered the machine in March 2020.

James Capper creates these ROTARY PAINTINGS in a synthesis with his machine the HYDRAPAINTER. The combination of unique art object with mechanical production methods encapsulates Capper’s investigation into biomimicry, the artist’s hand is extended to the rotating arm of the hydraulic machine: this collaboration creates a performative method of production.

Produced throughout the pandemic, each ROTARY PAINTING acts as a historical record of the day that it was produced. The titles alternate between caustic humour and poignancy in response to newspaper headlines, PM briefings, and press announcements. Capper forged a link between the repetitive method of production and the monotony of life during lockdown: the subtle blending and shifting hues giving form to the sense of temporal limbo. The initial series of ROTARY PAINTINGS were produced in collaboration with Covid Smart, with much of the proceeds being donated to the charity.

Additional works and prices are available on request.