Specimens Of Humanity, 2015, Plywood, wheels, brackets, screws, acrylic, acetate and mixed media, 205 x 110 x 40 cm
Each sheet of Perspex can be considered as a slide to be viewed under a microscope. One slide contains ‘fossilised’ symbols that have lost their meaning and the other is my representation of the ‘alive’ version of the same symbols, to imply that they still have meaning and relevance. The ‘alive’ side of symbols has been created from textiles, shards of metal, wire, wood and textures in various layers and combinations. The symbols represent different cultures and religions (predominantly western cultures) throughout their development. The materials I have used to create the ‘alive’ symbols is eclectic to reflect the eclectic nature of the entire box. When the viewer sees different materials and colours, the contrast and clash result in a stimulating image, which brings the symbols to life. The concept can also be perceived to incorporate the idea that the sum total of the human being can be reduced to specimens on a slide.