An original automaton by Paul Spooner. Made in 2018 for his solo exhibition, A Day at The Architects at Rodić Davidson, London.

The figures demonstrate the properties of three states of matter. In ‘Solid’ the figure bangs the table. ‘Liquid’ moves around in a dish and ‘Gas’ is everywhere but impossible to grasp.

“The three wide-eyed wooden figures of Solid, Liquid, Gas don’t aspire to any human naturalness, but perform rigid symbolic gestures. ‘Solid’ taps the table at which they sit with a clasped fist. Liquid’ raises a huge wooden bowl with two hands, as if to drink. ‘Gas’ tilts back and gestures to the air above. They are rough-hewn, overall – the marks of the chisel visible in their domed foreheads – but their hands are fine and expressive. The delicate gold mechanisms allowing arms to bend and lift are where their gracefulness lies.”
-An extract from Alice Spawls review of the exhibition published in London Review of Books.

This piece can be hand cranked using the handle or powered by a motor. A plug will be supplied.

Dimensions: W: 45cm D: 20cm H: 27cm Including motor and handle