For his second solo exhibition at Max Wigram Gallery James Hopkins’ presents a new body of work that draws from the techniques of optical illusionism to invent alternative viewing apparatus. Known for a practice that involves the viewers by teasing with their visual consciousness, Hopkins encourages moments of uncertainty in relation to how they judge what they see and perceive.

Prosperity and Decay (2006) explores ideas of concealment and revelation: a set of marble shelves is filled with objects that Hopkins has cut into, peeled back and removed sections from in order to create the impression of a memento mori. The figure is not instantly apparent and it requires the simultaneous deciphering of both its positive and negative spaces, in the way 17th century anamorphic studies doubled figures by means of optical effects. The objects chosen here can allude to Symbolist literature in its spin on decadence and the self-indulgence of dandy-ism: they recall the impermanence of objects and their persistence in memory, in the same way Pop Art can make use of iconic images derived from vain consumerism.

Everyday objects turn into impossible variations, even into sly commentaries of themselves. Eyeglass  (2005) is a brandy bottle that contains a series of mirrors which produce a kaleidoscopic play: when looking through the bottle’s rim, a cascading of colour and fractured shapes materialises into a feeling of drunkenness.

Also exploring the process of inner vision associated to cerebral permutations, In My Dream There Were Three Different Doors  (2006) is a large interlocking sculpture made from found doors. Based on an ancient Japanese ontological puzzle dating back to 900AD, the artist renders the doors dysfunctional by weaving them into an obstacle that appears like a dreamy labyrinth of closed entries. A Thousand Miles (2006) consists of a simple table with a mug placed upon it, once approached, its mirrored lining becomes apparent revealing the image of a miniaturized paradise island that fills in the everyday with a moment of escape.

Born in Stockport (UK), he lives and works in London. Forthcoming exhibitions in 2006 include Cosmic Gallery, Paris (solo); Grimm Rosenfeld, Munich/New York (group), and a commission for The New Art Centre Sculpture Park & Gallery, Salisbury.