Title of work: “In altum fidem,” in Articulate Turns Three, Articulate Project Space, 6 – 22 December 2013
In altum fidem - Towards high fidelity - is a material metaphor for a catastrophic life event, and how action may dilute its impact. This concentric clutch of glass tubes, filled with ink, gradually fade from opaque back to clear. The precarious rubber band - just holding it all together. The whole is bathed in the strong and constant light of promise. The work is developed in the context of contemporary sculpture, with a specific focus on a conceptual approach, as well as a sustainable one. The tradition of conceptual art deals with materials and processes manipulated by the artist, often as in this case to express an idea. The work explores the potential for material arrangements, to express a specific emotion. The work looks at how it is possible to ameliorate an issue to a positive conclusion, through discipline and structure.
The object assembly is driven in part by a commitment to use a minimum of materials and energy. The aim of this work is to express the pain and potential of human suffering in a visual and material fashion, which offers a non verbal, visceral and emotional connection with the viewer using the wounded tint of the coloured ink, the controlled and yet constricted rubber band, and the watery tearful vials of glass that the band encompasses. The work combines a unique set of materials and processes, including the faded gradations of the ink and the construction of the large rubber band, all of which are able to be fully recycled into new works with no damage or alteration to the components.