Floating Shrine

'Floating Shrine', 1989

A process oriented work, which symbolically emulated the processes of transformation and evolution of living systems (whether intellectual, physical, spiritual). The boat cast out on the waters is burnt, the remnants are transformed into the new structure, which simultaneously symbolises shelter and prison. To achieve this the keel is halved and realigned as an arch. The shelter/prison is formed through the merging of two basic forms, the cross, which signifies the coming together of opposites, and the arch, an integrated, self-supporting entity. The cross sections are formed from recycled window frames, drawing attention to the way in which we frame our view of the world. If we cleave the shelter vertically and unfold the structure, we discover again the skeletal form of the boat. The old remains concealed and/or transformed within the new.

At the basis of these works is my understanding that (pro)creativity engenders innovation and adaptability by  bringing  together different bodies (or ideas) into a union that uses chance in a generous exchange where the old must "throw away" part of itself in order to be transformed into the new.

Accompanied by drawings (Complicity, Responsibility, Intent), 'sacred reliquaries', and videos of the ritual burning. At the opening of each exhibition, a second water ritual was performed utilising the Font.

Significantly, 'Floating Shrine' first introduced the use of language as textual objects, and is the first indication of my transition into language as a ‘symbolic’ medium – which is to use language reflexively ‘in the manner of art’ whereby it becomes symbolic about the symbolic.