ARTIST STATEMENT
Diving is an alternate reality that heightens the senses and allows the voyeur to be a part of this dynamic ecosystem for a time. The distorted perspective and immersion into a world of pattern and vibrant colour is reminiscent of Escher’s illusions and Kusama’s psychedelic dioramas.
As we are led into this fragile paradise, with friends and family, we unknowingly destroy that which we admire. Our movements scar the coral, chemicals bleach colours, our signature is unknowingly toxic creating a different kind of insidious beauty. Our connections with our contemporary world make even the most innocent and passive
ARTWORK PROCESS
Firstly, a 3D wooden diorama was made and painted in an Escher inspired optical illusion, reminiscent of rippling waves on the sea floor. This structure was photographed and digital images of family members diving were merged into the photo. Corals were painted on using materials that unsuspectingly destroy the reef - sunscreen, bleach, spray paints, acetone, sandpaper, heat / climate change. The work was photographed again and transformed into a GIF, creating a rippling, water effect. The GIF can be projected onto any surface, to any size, (large) in any location where the audience will engage in oceanic activities.
