Allen was born and grew up in Pretoria, obtaining his B-tech in 2012 through University of Pretoria.
Modern aesthetic machines meets primitive forms in Allen's playful and absurd sculptures. Allen creates sculptures combining narrative, play and fantasy incorporating performance and installation to encourage the public to interact and play with his sculptures.
Taking inspiration from African masks, culture and ritual, Allen creates his own culture, his own sense of ritual giving himself a sense of identity within the African landscape and modern time. The rituals he creates are not however based on religion, they are based on the fundamental need and nature of humans to use rituals to calm ourselves, still our minds and remove ourselves for a moment from the issues of our lives.
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His wooden mechanisms with hinges, cogs and handles entice the viewer to play and discover. It reminds us of what is mechanically possible using scraps, found object and wood. There appears to be no mechanical purpose for the items, other than the fantasy of possibility and play. Inventions purely for the joy of invention.
More sites featuring Allen Laing:
http://contemag.com/contemag/2017/10/26/allen-laing/
www.art.co.za
https://www.fin24.com/Finweek/Featured/young-artists-turning-heads-20160216
Contact Allen Laing:
https://www.facebook.com/allenlaingart/
+27 076 276 3356
Website
http://allenlaingsculptor.tumblr.com/