and dystopian oppositions at the heart of belief systems whether religious or political. His maquettes

and drawings reference the jungle gyms playgrounds of the 1950s and 60s, modernism and

monumental Soviet aesthetics to question and ultimately topple any notion of security in such structures. Although McGrath describes these small sculptures as maquettes which implies they are prototypes

for larger works, such structures would ultimately, he says, in today's safety conscious world, be

too dangerous to construct. That form can resonate in such a way with McGrath's conceptual concerns creates a wry commentary.

McGrath, is perhaps best known for his public artwork in Glover Park Wellington (across the road from here) - Everything is for the best, in this best of all possible worlds... - a sculpture which has contributed to the revitalisation of the park. McGrath who is originally from Melbourne completed a Master of Fine Arts at Massey University Wellington in 2009 and is developing a trans-Tasman practice. Most of the past two years have been spent in Melbourne, where this year he has had two artist residencies. He has also significantly secured a commission for a large-scale mural at Melbourne Airport which will be installed in early 2014. Earlier this year, he exhibited at Blue Oyster Gallery in Dunedin and his project, which engaged with the debate surrounding a proposed hotel development, got art onto the front page of the local paper. Last year, his work was included in the Bondi Sculpture by the Sea.