Paul
Smith

Charming
Baker
  • Final Work: �?Triumph in the Face of Absurdity’
    2012

    Polished cast aluminium on corten steel plinth
    Sculpture 200 x 70 x 20cm, plinth 130 x 50 x 50cm

    A polished aluminium track bike is balanced vertiginously on its back wheel: on closer inspection a tiny mouse is revealed, bearing the gleaming bike Atlas-like on his shoulders. The irreverent gesture, characteristic of both Smith and Baker, deflates the monumentality of the sculpture while making its position seem all the more precarious. The sleek lines of the machine, built for speed, are emphasised by the liquid mercury-like sheen of the polished metal, which contrasts with the industrial patina of the Corten steel plinth. “I like to take people along a path which takes them to a place where they least expect to be”, Baker says. “Art should entertain” adds Smith.

  • Triumph in the Face of Absurdity (2012). Polished cast aluminium on corten steel plinth Sculpture 200 x 70 x 20cm, plinth 130 x 50 x 50cm. Photographer: Stephen White
  • Paul Smith: Gary Oldman photographed by Sir Paul Smith, 2011
  • Paul Smith: Paul Smith 'Carnival Rug' for The Rug Company, 2011
  • Paul Smith: Marianela Nunez, Principle Ballerina, The Royal Ballet, photographed by Sir Paul Smith, 2010
  • Paul Smith: spring/summer 2012
  • Pages from Charming Baker's sketchbook
  • Pages from Charming Baker's sketchbook
  • Pages from Charming Baker's sketchbook
  • Charming Baker: A Mother's Milk Nourishes Heroes As Well As Murderers, 2008 oil and bullet holes on panel, 110 x 120cm
  • Charming Baker: My Weakness Is Invariably Stronger Than I Am, 2012 oil on linen, 110 x 120cm
  • Charming Baker: What a Strange and Beautiful Thing Life Turns Out To Be, 2009 100 x 120cm, oil on linen