Eamon Monaghan’s latest exhibition, “Under the Floorboards,” showcases a series of chaotic dioramas that push the boundaries of traditional sculpture. Constructed from everyday materials like cardboard, tinfoil, wire, and epoxy clay, Monaghan’s sculptures capture moments of disarray frozen in time.
Displayed at the Moskowitz Bayse gallery in Los Angeles, the sculptures in “Under the Floorboards” appear as if they are bursting from their frames. Steel I-beams intersect with household appliances, floorboards bend and warp, stairways lead to nowhere, and the chaos of everyday life is magnified in each piece.
Drawing inspiration from underground legends like R. Crumb and Bruce Bickford, Monaghan’s three-dimensional scenes feature tiny figures caught in the midst of comical or bewildering situations. Some figures appear half-concealed, while others seem to be grappling with the unpredictability of their surroundings.
In one piece titled “Stages,” a series of platforms and rooms shift and rearrange, with figures reacting in various ways to the unfolding drama. One figure is surprised by a steel beam, another hides behind a curtain, and yet another is seemingly passed out on a sofa, all while contributing to the overall chaos of the scene.
Through his work, Monaghan explores themes of stability, movement, time, and control, using humor and farce to examine the intricate relationships between these elements. Each sculpture in “Under the Floorboards” invites viewers to consider the absurdity and unpredictability of life in a playful and engaging way.
The exhibition will be on display at Moskowitz Bayse until March 29th. To see more of Eamon Monaghan’s work, you can visit his Instagram page. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience these captivating and thought-provoking sculptures in person.
