6/12/2018 - EVERYTHING WRONG WITH THE WORLD EXHIBITION INSTALL

I displayed my work on a plinth in the corner of PS3 next to a piece of red piping. I often situate my works in this area for exhibitions as I like the slightly less typical surroundings in the corner with the pipe. However for this work it was more appropriate than ever as the red pipe was very similar to the red tubing shown in the oil rig, which descended into the darkness at the bottom edge of the box.



The fact this red piping is seemingly encountered again just behind the artwork enhances the omnipresence of the systems of mankind which run through every action we make as modern day humans. Even though the scene in the box is just a painting and a representation of an idea, the metaphoric red piping of ambitious industrilised process is a constant in human society. 

I situated my work on a 1.5m high white plinth which was perfect as it raised the piece so that the surface of the water was about at eye level and heightened the effect. So much so that Maisie Moffat even came over to inspect the piece initially as she thought it was filled partially with resin. It was also not perfectly square but slightly rectangular which meant it was much better fitted to the actual shape of the box itself.

I was very pleased with the final results of this piece. It kind of felt like a new aspect of my practice which was directly unlocked by the research I was conducting for my dissertation, namely that about Mark Dion and his exploration of archival and museum formats. I really liked how the piece was both a sculpture in it's framing, but a painting in it's figuration. By employing the conventions of human packaging unto nature, I was also able to give the suggestion of actual life within the box. 


I also am very drawn to the depth captured by the diorama in the box, helped by firstly the thick glass and second by the seperation between one pane and another. When walking past and looking at the creatures beneath the surface, they seem to move and glide every so slightly across different perspectives. 

Overall I felt really happy with this piece and sensed like it was definitely a step in a different direction for me that was casting a mediating line between typical contemporary art practice and my own preference, themes and style. The use of the found glass also bosted it's effectiveness because of it's thickness and polish, especially when the black rubber edging is hidden with the wooden frame. It was also great to repurpose materials which wouldve otherwise been discarded as waste.