The duck mouse problem

The concrete attempts to represent Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse pictured above, are familiar figures in a children’s playground in Picton. They are also the inspiration of Ronnie van Hout's installation Duck Character and Mouse Character. In the catalogue of his survey exhibition Ronnie van Hout: I have abandoned me Ronnie says. "I think I have always been drawn to the amateur aspect of art making." Justin Paton, curator of the exhibition adds, "In a culture where products (art products too) are prized for efficiency and self possession, van Hout looks instead for unlicensed franchises and knock-offs so off that they outflank the originals."
Top Ronnie van Hout, Duck Character and Mouse Character 1999. Bottom: Picton pictures- Hamish McKay