Tom Price has surprised and delighted me with a show made up of five invented characters of stunning detail. Taking the ear here and an elbow there, down to the stretched out jeans pokets, the sculptor constructs highly realistic characters in his bronze works, almost giving them life. They could easily have thoughts, jobs and private lives, it is easy for anyone with or without art knowledge to connect with them. Their poses are casual yet full of 'front', revealing their relaxed state as well as insecurities. I knew a little about his figurative sculptures before I arrived at Hales Gallery, but it turned out much better than unexpected.
Hales Gallery (Next to Tea Building, 7 Bethnal Green Road, London)
8 April - 14 May 2011
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