Daniel Chadwick’s work is an art of balance both literally and metaphorically. His principal works are mobiles made up of kinetic solar systems that revolve in complicated balance and whose numerous orbits glide gracefully in communicative accord with themselves. In some works the use of tiny solar-powered motors propels the perspex discs of the mobiles and gives a kinetic and visual emphasis, whilst ultraviolet light illuminates the struggle between two and three dimensionality.
The way forms move, either visually as one moves around them, or literally using some kinetic energy, is part of Chadwick’s fascination with sculpture. They are often reminiscent of nature, moving sea urchins or pond skaters, or the way oil and water repel each other into droplets, communicating a childhood wonder at how things work.
These mobiles provide the viewer with a perfect cosmos: an ordering of space, time and form, over which the viewer presides as a contented divinity. Chadwick’s work is constructed to a high standard of workmanship and with obsessive attention to detail. Many of these works have been designed for huge corporate spaces and Chadwick’s mobiles can be found in the London headquarters of a number of companies including Crest, Pfizer and Tetrapak.
Daniel Chadwick’s static sculptures still retain the technical precision and perfectionism that has such a strong presence throughout his work. They are just as flawless in their finish and inertness as the mobiles and Chadwick’s supreme talent is that he can provoke the same awestruck, inquisitive and playful response from his viewers in both areas of work.
Daniel Chadwick’s training as an artist is rooted in architectural design and practice and from 1987-1991, Chadwick worked at Zaha Hadid Architects. Since the early 1990s Chadwick has exhibited widely thoughout the United Kingdom and internationally.