The Second Chamber: Barbara Mercer. Art Jericho (From The Oxford Times)

The Second Chamber: Barbara Mercer. Art Jericho

12:40am Thursday 26th April 2012 in Weekend & Leisure By Anne James

Barbara Mercer has woven together a cornucopia of pictures, sculptures and videos to develop her twin themes in this very interactive installation.

The themes are redemption and salvation through suffering and self-awareness, and Leonardo’s concept of the three chambers of the brain.

The gallery has been is divided into three sections. In the first, experience and sensation dominate and a large canvas is on the floor, Single Neurone, where Mercer captures the simple lines of the nerve’s questing extremities. Above on the ceiling is a paper sculpture The grass below, above the vaulted sky, celebrating the 19th- century poet John Clare, and his strong bond with the natural world.

The second chamber blends intellect and imagination. In the third, Mercer is free floating. Her Moss Triptych (pictured) makes a compelling composition of moss, that most ancient of life forms, and twigs sculpted into a triptych backed by a small video screen on which human life and love are obliterated by a cascade of cartoon rose petals.

And there is so much more. Do dedicate time to spend in this complex and highly thought-provoking installation.

At Art Jericho, until April 29, open Wednesday to Sunday.