Uncertain Futures: Das Unheimliche, 2009. Concrete and stainless steel
Uncertain Futures – Das Unheimliche
This piece of work developed from an exploration of Freuds concept ‘Das Unheimliche’ – the unhomely.
I became intrigued by the fragility of ‘home’. How quickly that refuge can be lost and people forced to abandon the familiar. The kitchen table acts as a signifier of Western domestic security. By casting the table in concrete that safe haven and the private is challenged. The concrete is cold and stark. It exudes function, public and monumental; forbidding and enforced. The contrasting planes and steps contribute to the atmosphere of memorial and loss.
The four spoons, reminiscent of Hiroshima shadows, represent the four missed meals George Monbiot[1] suggests will lead to social unrest and anarchy
Uncertain Futures: Das Unheimliche, detail
[1] Monbiot, G. Bring on the Apocalypse – Six Arguments for Global Justice. London. Atlantic Books, 2008., pgs 1-6.
Uncertain Futures: Das Unheimliche, detail
To me the spoons are reminiscent of the empty shells of the inhabitants found in Pompeii, where happy lives and safe homes were snuffed out in an instant - or like when our parents die and the parental home is un-plugged and emptied and the contents sold off or thrown away - the solid and forever home, gone, seemingly in a moment. A mature piece.
Comment by Jonathan Hill — March 28, 2009 @ 9:51 am
Very nice site!
Comment by John1124 — May 3, 2009 @ 7:21 pm