| developing what seems at the expense of what is |
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“developing what seems at the expense of what is†is a meditation on man’s intellectual arrogance. The primary structure is built of steel and mirror. It’s form is a graphic synthesis of an English conservatory, an autopsy table, and a lady’s vanity. Sitting atop the table portion of the form is an African violet carved of mahogany and walnut. The primary structure of the piece alludes to much of humankind’s desire to manipulate and control nature according to it’s own purposes. The conservatory is a place to display plants, the autopsy table is a reminder of dissection and genetic engineering, and the vanity is designed to help us feel better about ourselves. Being one of the most common of domesticated houseplants, the African violet demonstrates the human consumption of the natural world. At the nexus of these allusions the central question I am posing becomes evident, are we engaging in genetic engineering and other forms of biological manipulation because it will truly benefit the world we live in, or rather, just because we can?
Dimensions:4.5 ft. X 6 ft. x 11 ft.;
Medium:steel, mirror, mahogany, walnut.
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| Tags: conceptual, architectural, symbolic, representational, nature |
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