As the title On a Limb suggests, the flagpole is a metaphoric limb upon which the flag waving figure, the citizen, is the fruit of the society. 'Going out on a limb' describes taking a risk, and so this sculpture plays upon the question of what hardships each of us is willing to endure for society. The jarring, absurd sight of a figure suspended up high is also reminiscent of sensationalistic circus stunts, public punishment and sacrifices, reminding us that communities often resort to group spectacles that provide visceral demonstrations of deeply felt collective emotions and values.

 

John Marriott is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, curator, and anthologist. He works in a variety of disciplines including urban intervention, video, performance, installation, multiples, and sculpture. His critical writings for catalogues, texts and periodicals focus on socio-critical and aesthetic issues in the arts. His work has been seen in exhibitions, screenings and publications here and abroad.