I first became aware of Roddy Maude-Roxby in the late 60’s, when he was part of the ground-breaking improvisation team ‘Theatre Machine’ which, along with companies like the People Show, was one of my favourites. Decades later, I was to work with Roddy on the BBC Saturday morning show ‘Parallel 9’ where, as part of a company of five, we would improvise various character storylines. Not quite on a par with ‘Theatre Machine’ but challenging, nevertheless.
Since those BBC days, I have marvelled at Roddy’s singular ‘mask’ shows, and witnessed how influential his diverse talents have been, and continue to be, as this two-part exhibition shows. 1) His ‘Paintings’ showing at London’s POSK Gallery. 2) His ‘Drawing Books, Objects, and Film’ at 9, Lower Mall, London W6, a Thameside Grade II listed house where renowned director George Devine once lived and is now owned by the Royal Court Theatre.
On the first floor of Lower Mall, was a darkened room, with very comfortable armchairs, where a wonderful film of Roddy’s artistic journey, from childhood to present day, played on continuous loop, allowing visitors to join the viewing at any time. With some black and white archive footage mixed in with colourful recollections of his alter-ego masked poet ‘Henry Wainscote, we learn how this Royal Art College contemporary of Peter Blake, David Hockney, and more, forged his way through the London theatre scene, Broadway, and even Disney’s ‘The Aristocats’ – playing the voice of Edgar the Butler. Even now, he receives autograph requests, and always adds a hand drawn sketch of his Disney character.
The film, by Tom Chick, and featuring artist Marcia Farquhar in discussion with Roddy, covers his work with the likes of film director Mike Nichols (in a stage version of ‘The Knack’), and with Royal Court director Peter Gill (in Joe Orton’s ‘Erpingham Camp’). Alongside his more commercial work, Roddy continued to create his own ‘Mask’, ‘Improvisational’, and ‘Performance Art’ work, together with his painting, sculpting, and poetry projects. All these elements are covered, in a fun and humorous way, by the various guises Roddy assumes. By the end of the film, or to wherever it began, we have good insight into his extensive catalogue of creativity. And so, to the top floor……
Here, his many drawing books are on display, and they are truly magical. I almost wanted to smash the glass to turn some of the hidden pages, but fear of attack from his extraordinary army of nearby figurines halted such thoughts. There are a lot of intriguing sculpted objects, one of my favourites being a pair of espadrille-style shoes with numerous ghost-like images embedded amidst the sea waves, suggesting previous owners, perhaps, or something more sinister. Nothing is definite, possibilities and/or interpretations are endless, that is what makes this body of work so mesmerising, both in its minimalism and its enormity. Sadly, the happening at Lower Mall has now ended, but watch out, for it will return, I’m sure.
The ‘Paintings’ at the POSK Gallery, 238 King Street W6 ORF, continues until July 15th. These are a mixture of art upon art painted on recycled materials, and line and dot drawings combined with photographic imagery. Again, like his life-long pursuit of improvisational happenings, this exhibition displays how, even in his more conventional art, the unexpected happens in the blink of an eye. Just as you think you have seen all, something else appears to change your perspective of the whole. Each image asks a question and although one may struggle to find the answer sometimes, there is a silent conversation I found myself happily participating in. This is quite a small exhibition room but a slow walk around the art-filled walls, delving into the fascinating world of a unique one-off, proves to be a stimulating and fulfilling moment in time.
As you read this, I think it will be the last Saturday of the current showing at the POSK Gallery, so, if you are not doing anything today, get down there and treat yourself to some exceptional artwork. From 2.00pm-4.00pm Roddy will also be running an impromptu mask event. Do Go!
Meanwhile, visit Roddy’s new website, and keep an eye out for future happenings:
Finally, if you can get hold of a copy of his new book ‘A Selection’, I highly recommend it.
Reviewer: Kevin Short