Projection by David McDiarmid

work, although similar, differs from
the next and explores, in part through
pedantry, the nuance and minutiae of
his subject - how apt.
The exhibition at Interviewroom11
centres around his piece Projection,
the namesake of the show. This piece,
I understand from having known
McDiarmid and his work for several
years now, has been three years in its
gestation. The piece, in mono tone,
flicks and clicks slowly from one slide
to the next, projecting stage by stage
the erection of his scaffolding motif - in
a manner similar to the marching of an
totalitarian regime: overwhelming and
unrelenting.
Physically, in its medium, the piece
is a projection, but the title also
describes what the piece is about:
psychology and artifice. The exquisite,
hand crafted models that are projected
are scaled up significantly, with the
central archway above head height,
which makes that playful and profound
point.
Another reading is easily found
too. The archway, historically
designed to be triumphantly walked
through, is projected onto the surface
of a wall - we can not walk through
it. Is McDiarmid denying us any
delusional belief in our right to walk
through? Is he asking us to reflect
on what we have really achieved in
our life thus far - the value added
that we bring? In and through this
piece we are reminded, if we had
momentarily forgotten or in fact
been unaware, that all are equal and
none are deserving. The projected
image of power is just that: an image
of it, not the real thing. This triumphal
arch, although dominating the space,
cannot serve its purpose.
Materiality and use of space are
key elements to understanding
McDiarmid’s work. On the one
hand his selection of materials
evoke the splendor of past cultural
achievements and developments,
whilst at the same time, referencing
empire, conquest and the spoils
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