Ron Mueck,  En Garde, 2023.   Mixed Media 285 x 480 x 530 cm (112.2 x 188.98 x 208.66 in). Image: Thaddaeus Ropac

Step into Ron Mueck’s En Garde—an unforgettable encounter with towering black dogs that channel fear, vulnerability, and deep human emotion

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

LONDON– These are not the dogs you want to encounter on your way to work, school, or during daily activities. Large, black, and fierce-looking, they are alert and ready to strike. A simple “Beware of Dogs” sign will not suffice. In his new exhibition, En Garde (2023), at Thaddaeus Ropac, London, renowned sculptor Ron Mueck places viewers in precarious encounters with these terrifying dog sculptures. This is Mueck’s first art exhibition in the UK at the gallery, featuring his latest work. Following its debut at Fondation Cartier in Paris, En Garde has also been shown at Triennale Milano and Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar, Netherlands. The exhibition offers a powerful exploration of Mueck’s creative evolution, capturing the human experience through hyper-realistic sculpture.

The Vision Behind En Garde Colossal Terrifying Black Dogs

At the heart of En Garde lies a colossal trio of black dogs, each towering nearly three meters in height. With ears pricked and hackles raised, these sculptures convey an unmistakable sense of alertness and tension. Mueck, who has spent decades exploring the interplay of scale and human perception, shifts focus in En Garde from intricate surface detail to a broader exploration of form, poise, and the emotional resonance of the figures’ stances. The dogs are not merely oversized creatures; they are charged with psychological depth. Their postures exude a sense of imminent action. The installation invites viewers to step into this charged environment fraught with danger. Every space around the sculptures seems to hum with negative energy.

The title En Garde comes from the fencing term calling a participant to a defensive stance. It encapsulates the defensive and confrontational poses of the dogs. However, it also serves as a subtle invitation to the audience to become active participants in the work. By entering the space, the viewer becomes part of the action. The sculptures’ poses seem to react to their movements, intensifying the immersive experience.

Sculptural Detail: The Transformation of Form Over Time

One of the most striking aspects of Mueck’s work is his ability to evoke powerful emotions through the careful construction of form. Over his career, Mueck has continually refined his approach to scale, utilizing it to evoke visceral responses from the viewer. The exaggerated size of the dogs in En Garde amplifies their menacing presence, underscoring the vulnerability of the viewer. Their proximity to these figures creates an uncanny sense of both awe and trepidation.

The absence of excessive detail in the surfaces of the dogs further enhances this effect. By deliberately focusing on form over fine surface texture, the artist distills the figures to their essence. This technique transforms the dogs from mere representations into potent symbols of tension and threat. The viewer is not invited to contemplate the minute details of the dogs’ fur or skin but is instead drawn into a direct confrontation with their massive, dynamic postures.

The Role of Scale in Mueck’s Artistic Language

Throughout his career, Mueck has explored the psychological implications of scale in his work. Whether magnified or reduced, his figures heighten our awareness of the spaces our bodies occupy. In En Garde, the humongous dogs shape a psychological landscape that both challenges and reaffirms the viewer’s sense of self and space. Their immense scale compels viewers to reconsider their physical relationship to the sculptures. It also prompts reflection on their bodily presence within the exhibition.

Mueck’s precise method of crafting his sculptures begins with small maquettes that explore pose and character. After completing preliminary studies, Mueck proceeds to create full-size drawings on the walls of his studio. These large-scale sketches help him determine the final sculpture’s dimensions and positioning. This careful planning ensures that every element—from the dogs’ posture to the surrounding space—amplifies the overwhelming presence of the work.

The Narrative Potential of En Garde: A Personal Encounter

While En Garde is undoubtedly a work of grand scale, it does not rely on narrative storytelling to engage its audience. Instead, Mueck allows the tension within the sculpture to speak for itself. The viewer gets the freedom to interpret the work in personal, often ambiguous ways instead of following a storyline. This open-endedness invites a deeper, more introspective engagement with the piece.

The dogs of En Garde stand as figures between myth and reality. The sculptures possess an eerie yet familiar presence. They evoke creatures from folklore or ancient myths, yet remain grounded in the raw immediacy of the present. By presenting figures that blur the line between the ordinary and the fantastical, Mueck compels viewers to confront their relationship with the unknown.

Psychological and Emotional Impact of Ron Mueck’s En Garde

Mueck’s work can provoke powerful emotional responses from viewers. The psychological tension at the heart of En Garde is undeniable. The dogs’ alert postures and poised readiness for confrontation generate a palpable tension. Their looming scale heightens this sense of unease. This dynamic intensifies as viewers approach the sculptures, drawn into a space that feels both uncomfortably close and viscerally engaging.

This unique emotional landscape is what sets Mueck’s work apart. By stripping away narrative details and focusing instead on the physical presence and psychological impact of his figures, Mueck allows the viewer to engage with the work on a deeply personal level. En Garde becomes not just a static piece of art but a living, breathing encounter.

Ron Mueck’s Artistic Impact on Contemporary Sculpture

Ron Mueck’s career spans over three decades, during which he has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary sculpture. Mueck’s sculptures have appeared in major institutions worldwide. These include the National Gallery of Australia and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. His mastery of scale and form has positioned him as a pioneer in contemporary sculpture. His work continues to influence both emerging and established artists.

En Garde represents the latest chapter in Mueck’s exploration of the human condition through sculpture. Like many of his earlier works, En Garde challenges viewers to confront the complexities of human existence. It offers a visual experience that is at once unsettling and deeply moving. The exhibition reflects Mueck’s enduring commitment to pushing the boundaries of sculpture. It also showcases his distinctive ability to capture the raw emotional essence of his subjects.

En Garde is not just a personal exploration of form and scale; it also carries a broader commentary on the world around us. The tension embodied by the dogs is a reflection of the uncertainty and fragility that define our contemporary moment. In times of political, social, and environmental instability, the work invites us to consider our place in a rapidly changing world. The sense of imbalance and foreboding pervades En Garde. While it reveals a world on the brink, there is also an opportunity for introspection and contemplation.

As art historian Robert Rosenblum has noted, Mueck’s sculptures often present “scenarios that have no beginnings or ends but only uncertain middles.” This sense of ambiguity resonates strongly in En Garde, as the work refuses to offer clear answers or resolutions. Instead, it leaves the viewer to navigate the emotional and psychological landscape of the piece.

Ron Mueck’s En Garde: Exploration of Scale and Tension

Ron Mueck’s En Garde (2023) exemplifies his rare ability to fuse scale, form, and emotion. The monumental trio of dogs, with their tense and deliberate stances, invites both physical and emotional engagement. By removing narrative context and emphasizing visceral impact, Mueck allows the audience to encounter the work in its purest and most immediate form. This work is a testament to Mueck’s extraordinary skills. It articulates his continuing ability to challenge and engage the viewer with profound reflections on human existence.