I started exploring three aspects of power as a theme. These were Economic, Military and ideological.
I gathered images and symbols to develop these into forms to make artworks from. So far, I have focussed very much on imagery to do with military imagery from the past, the present and the hypothetical future as depicted in science fiction.
For the past I cast a replica historic sword from the visitor’s Centre at Sherwood Forest, For the more recent I cast a mould from a 2oth Century air pistol for the future I have cast a model ‘Star Wars’ space ship and the handle of a light sabre form.
I cast these originally in plaster and concrete. This creates actual and visual weight to the forms it also reminds me of fossilised relics. This changes them from actual items into ideas of things.
I now have an array of casted forms which all carry military associations. I have yet to tackle to other two thematic areas. Much of my time sand effort has gone into these pieces and repeat making them and I have decided to focus on these. And pick up the other areas for of economic and ideological power my next module.
I am pleased with them but wish I had more sword forms as this would allow me to different arrangements with them. I currently have and even number but would prefer an odd number as this has scope for symbolism. I have been experimenting with arranging these in different ways. Mixing them to make patterns and shapes.
The First layout of casted objects linked with military power here display a suggestion of the old religion being shot at and patched up with wire forms. The sword tip surrounded by small cruisers. Two of these are encaged in wire forms taken from spare circler form used to strengthen up the concrete swords. I think its too plain towards the middle and bottom left. I my opinion its to busy towards the top.
The Second layout composed of four different casted objects like the first these link to power. However I prefer this look as it can be place in various angle of which change its look and meaning while staying in the same formation. In my eyes its an tree, one of blood lust and ego. If this was my final outcome I would have experiment on the background I want for this layout. It looks just as good 180 degrees reversed with the guns and star destroyers becoming seeds the base for the tree to grow and near impossible to stop without conflict.
The Third has more energy injected into its layout with the star destroyers becoming fragments of an lightsabers bade one not of solid form, its always moving never stopping in one place, its fee flowing force. The guns create a look of an fire work display across the floor placed in a circle. The swords were placed to suggest a battle in action or entertainment for the Romans in the coliseum. I think this is yet another good layout for development further as it looks busy for a fight or fun in an gruesome for the mad messes.
Presentation methods
I am currently thinking about floor based arrangements of the different cast forms. These will be in combinations to create a busy arrangement of shape which represent the three areas of military power, past present and future. The materials are both fragile yet durable they speak of the past of in a symbolic way.
I need to consider what is on or around the floor as this will affect the way they are interpreted. For example, natural materials like soil or sand. These would represent land, nature and power. One of my thoughts is possibly to insert concrete swords into cast plant pots in an Excalibur style.
MEANING
My intention is not to tell a literal story but present an allegory of power. The sword is allegorical for religion and war. The sword itself is a version of a medieval sword from the mid 10th and 13th century. It is a European sword as such could be associated with the Crusades and the 100 years’ war between England and France.
I do not like the idea of a fixed meaning but creating work which allows people to make up their own meanings as people have their own opinion and ability to make meanings. The work is more of a suggestion. I do not want to tell people how to think.
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