Oliver Hurst
the Hedgehogs
circa 2007
In noticing the great golden key, one may easily be reminded of a similar feat undertaken by the famous Cinderella duo, Gus and Jaq. They, too, attempt to lug an over-sized key step after ascending step, though (in their defence) their haul is radically more strenuous than the hedgehogs’: their time to reach the top stair (an extra five flights) is limited to mere minutes, they are equipped with only determination and mousey muscles and, most importantly, Gus is overweight - a considerable delay in the least. In this painting, however, time does not seem to be of the essence. Creeping slowly upwards, this hedgehog troupe crawls with evident ease - or is it stealth? Consider that the artist has cleverly lit the four creatures in a single but soft spotlight, as if to suggest the act of being caught or followed (the bespectacled hedgehog certainly looks shady, his position being unaided by the backdrop of lurid green wallpaper). There is also the elegant, though perhaps not immediately recognised, feature of rigidity versus waywardness - that is to say, the linear rhythm of the staircase versus the clumsy tripping and scuttling of the hedgehogs. By the way these two features zig-zag up through the canvas, parallel but of opposite ‘tunes’ to each other, there must certainly be something crafty taking place. One could even assume that because the staircase sits beneath the troupe, supporting it both visually and physically, the mischief-making will overcome the odds and, indeed, succeed. Whatever its scheme may be, this foursome certainly knows how to keep anyone with an open mind guessing...
