It’s good to be challenged and forced to reconsider one’s understanding of art. Modern Art Oxford is recognised for its complex, and sometimes quite quirky exhibitions which leave the visitor puzzling over the experience for some considerable time. It was with some excitement therefore, that I anticipated my visit to MAO’s exhibition of Manfred Pernice’s installations, which I’d been informed would be a stimulating experience.

This young German artist creates objects and sculptures that consider the complex relationships between art, architecture, city-building and human stories of time and place. This is his first solo exhibition in a UK public gallery. Sadly I left the gallery feeling uninspired, and concerned that it might be one big practical joke — the emperor’s new clothes perhaps?

First I walked through the Hit and Miss exhibition by Simon and Tom Bloor, which fills The Yard with white painted fencing that forms a maze-like screening structure on which a series of re-imaged posters from group and solo exhibitions shown previously at Modern Art Oxford are hung.

There’s something quite intriguing about this installation (pictured right) which beckoned me in and then compelled me to stay. Between them, Simon and Tom have created a space that encourages visitors to explore and discover the series of works on paper pinned to the fencing. Decorated so this ground floor space works really well.

Manfred Pernice, whose work fills the upper gallery did not provide such instant gratification. Unable to access this artist’s visual language, I failed to appreciate just what his work conveys. The centrepiece of this exhibition reveals four room-sized quadrants, and comes complete with a spiral staircase that visitors are encouraged to climb.

On being informed it was there to elevate the viewer, I made my way up the dozen rather wobbly steps to the top, where the chipboard used to create the main body of this structure was all that was visible.

If I am really honest I did not feel elevated. Actually, I felt nothing. I was disappointed. I had wanted this work to talk to me, indeed I hoped it would influence my thoughts on modern art, as so many MAO’s exhibitions have done over the years — it didn’t.

I am told that if you put your mind at the disposal of Pernice’s art, a great deal can happen, which is why I aim to return and try again. I would like those chipboard cubes, the rough-hewn furnishings Chinese vases, empty cans of sweetcorn and the cup-a-soup packets to combine and take me on a journey. As the exhibition continues until November 21, I have plenty of time to make a return visit.