Projects

CULTURAL CROSSING SERIES 2010

Recent work explores ethnology and the evolution of multiculturalism from its most primitive origins to modern manifestations. It embodies the concept that we no longer live in relative isolation, continuing our own traditions, but in an interconnected contemporary world that reflects a world-wide cultural diffusion.

We share the same human family, regardless of race or gender and are interdependent; therefore our actions affect the well-being of others. In primitive peoples man is moulded by instinct, each tribe is surrounded by people sharing everything: food, material, ventures, a mutual give and take behaviour from one person to another. In doing this we show kindness, a gift to pass on to others which creates a feeling of well-being, a bond, a connection. As a social species we instinctively connect, on meeting someone new we attempt to determine their identity by asking their name and where they come from.

This line of enquiry opens up a series of questions which demand a response:
What is in a name?
What impact do the interconnections have on our lives?
Where do we meet people?

New technologies have vastly accelerated the flows of people across international boundaries. In studying these flows the artists key premise for this body of work is a response to the cause of such migratory journeys, and the documentation of the people and places of social connection and interaction which punctuate these journeys. Her intention is to challenge our perception of the term ‘PRECIOUS’ and ‘ORIGIN’ within our contemporary world.


Title: ‘FOLLOW THE SPOOR II’ 2010
This large scale, copper sculpture, depicts a migratory JOURNEY for reasons of PERSECUTION, the need to flee from danger. It reflects the movement of a people, the trail of uncertainty, the determination and strength of character needed to begin the journey, to take the first step. It epitomizes the traumas people endure and the heroic roles played by others in areas of conflict. The main structure of the piece, a response to persecution, draws upon the ideology of armour, a protective casing worn in battle, whilst the Spoor (meaning wild animal trail) a floor extension, depicts the migratory trail.


Title: ‘WHAT IS IN A NAME’ 2010
The most fundamental aspect of identity is one’s NAME, the concept of personhood and self. This installation explores the ideas of identity and personhood based on inherited name and descent. It is a response to the hypothesis: if the race of man is believed to be one species, it follows that every man has an equally long history behind them. The list of names and places of origin uncovers what one does not see with the naked eye that modern man is, in varying degrees, of mixed culture and therefore a member of a larger global family.


Title: ‘THE OBJECT OF THINGS’ 2010
When does a thing become a meta-thing and material become immaterial?
When it transcends its material value and is embedded with meta-narratives, shifting the emphasis from physical to metaphysical.

This is a continually growing collection of silver plated sculptures, floor casts produced throughout the world which consider the things we think with; things that often anchor memory and help sustain relationships. They mark the PLACES of social interaction and CONNECTION that have touched the artist whilst developing her work in various countries and act as emotional and intellectual companions, physical reminders embedded with precious memories of the people, places, conversations and situations experienced whilst working on this collection. Each piece begins with connections made at chance meetings, an exchange of social etiquette begins by asking the name and a dialogue evolves focused on place of origin. The place of connection is documented by casting areas of the floors surface at the threshold of the relevant places, resulting in small sculptures, mementos.


Cultural Crossing Series has been supported by World Museum, Bluecoat Liverpool, Atelierhaus Salzamt Austria, Ars Electronica Austria, Maerz Kunstlervereinigung, Austria, Sinebrychoff Gallery, Finland.