ORACLE

2023, cotton and porcelain sculpture, poem

The sculptural installation emerges from a fascination with symbiotic relationships, particularly those observed in dynamic, intertwined ecosystems such as lichens and corals. Inspired by the writings of Merlin Sheldrake and Lynn Margulis, who challenge conventional notions of organismal identity and underscore the significance of symbiosis in evolutionary processes, the installation delves into the intricate interconnections of life forms. Merlin Sheldrake writes: ‘Lichens confuse our concepts of identity and force us to question where one organism stops and another begins’ (Entangled Life, 2020). Margulis’ theory disregarded at the beginning, is getting a second re-reading after discovering how our cells are a product of symbiosis between much smaller micro-organisms (Symbiotic Planet, 1998).

Crocheted structures, reminiscent of lichen or coral formations, were submerged in liquid porcelain and fired, resulting in delicate sculptures. Collaborating with Daniel Stuhlpfarrer and guided by the insights of Monica C. Locascio, the sculptures are displayed upon found tree branches. Without a predefined concept, the intuitive construction of the artwork evoked associations with ancient divination practices, akin to spreading bird bones. This unexpected discovery gave the installation a mythic charm, allowing the artwork to take on its own story within the creative process. Alongside the visual elements, a poem inspired by the sculptures enhances the exploration of symbiosis as main evolutionary mechanism.