Concrete Blocks and Eggs – Together!
In preparation for an online group exhibition, ‘end/begin’, I created a series of concrete blocks combined with the found object – mainly packaging materials accumulated from months in lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic; and had also covered over 1500 eggshells in ModrocTM. These works were initially separate projects, both a reflection of the repetition of the lockdown and the mindfulness of creating them. I thought I might stack the blocks and display the eggs in a random pile. However, as I placed the works in the gallery space (for photography purposes only, as the exhibition was online), it became apparent that they worked best together as one installation. The installation is full of contradictions: the sensitive, fragility of the eggs set against the harsh brutal nature of the concrete blocks; the geometric structure of the blocks against the natural organic form of the eggs; and the organic packaging materials puncturing the industrial concrete, weakening its infrastructure and rendering it useless as a building material. In addition, the making of the eggs was a gentle, hand crafted process, whilst the making of the concrete blocks was more physical and aggressive – all mirroring the conflicting emotions during lockdown, of at times being grateful to be safe and having clear guidelines and at other times, feeling angry and frustrated at not being able to see our loved ones.
By being placed on the floor, the concrete blocks and eggs interrupt and obstruct the space, they force the viewer to look down and around. It was always really important that I did not place the blocks on a plinth. Going forward, once we are able to exhibit again in the real world, I am keen to put my work in open public spaces – to take the work to the people and not expect them to visit the gallery. I could create QR codes to direct people to my website if they are interested. I don’t want my work to be exhibited in a ‘white cube’, I want the reactions of the community from which and in which I have made the work.
To find out more about the finished installation, please visit ‘Concrete Blocks and Eggs (2020)’ in the Projects section of the website.