Vivarium (London, 2022-ongoing)
Clay, Glaze, Installation
approx. H55xD13cm - H44xD7cm
Vivarium" serves as a sculptural interpretation of the adverse effects of the construction industry on human life and the Earth's natural habitat. This installation features intricate, fragmented forms with irregular shards and broken edges, symbolising the fractured nature of our relationship with the environment.
The sculpture's surface is marked by deep, jagged gouges and scratches, vividly depicting the destructive impact of construction on the natural world. The ceramic vessels draw inspiration from water pipes commonly used in construction. Their use of colour variation and rough edges conveys the fractured nature of our relationship with the environment. Additionally, their uneven endings and layered glazes create a sense of depth and complexity, reflecting the intricate nature of the environmental issues resulting from construction. The linear shapes of the vessels also symbolise the ever-growing tall buildings, highlighting the population issue in cramped urban spaces.
These vessels are arranged in a manner that suggests an army or a mass of destruction, underscoring the magnitude of the issue. The accompanying photographs document the artist's personal experience of living in a world dominated by construction, where noise, dust, and shadows dominate the landscape. This intimate viewpoint lends the series emotional potency, encouraging viewers to empathise with the impact of construction on people's lives.
Through its use of ceramics as a medium, "Vivarium" implores us to urgently address the harmful consequences of the construction industry on human life and the Earth's natural habitat. It encourages viewers to contemplate how our actions have damaged the environment and to recognise the potential for renewal and growth that endures, even in adversity. With its fragmented forms, profound textures, and stark colour palette, "Vivarium" stands as a compelling and thought-provoking work of art, challenging us to critically assess the repercussions of our actions on the world around us.