Rat Installation at the Ceramic Alumni UJ Exhibition.

Rat Installation ± 90 rats shaped to form a carpet

Converged in a warlike standoff

I have completed the first of my rat installations. The first installation will consist of ± 90 rats grouped together to form a carpet. Their weapon-like tails forming the carpet tassels at each end, whilst their bodies are either in a submissive prayer like stance and or animated to converge in the middle in warlike fashion (stand-off). 

Afghan war carpets.

The work however will form the backdrop for an animated projection; the chosen images reinforcing the carpet theme. However the battle depicted here (the metaphor), refers to culture wars, based on conflicting cultural values - those values considered traditional and or conservative and those considered progressive and or liberal. At the heart of the battle is our conflicting views on the following issues; abortion, bioethics, drugs, euthanasia, homosexuality, pornography, sex education and sexuality. I have chosen a variety of historically significant textiles, representing various cultural and or religious groupings, to be projected in a personally directed animated sequence, from a projector attached to the ceiling, directly above the rat installation. Tests reveal that the projection should incapsulate the bodies of the rats and reinforce the overriding theme of the ceramic sculptural statement. 

Afghani War Carpets
as cited at English Russia

The following blog entry will document and reveal the significance of each of the chosen carpets.  A video is to be made of the installation; to be featured on this blog and other relevant media. The work will form part of the historic Ceramic Alumni UJ Exhibition, opening this Wednesday 11 August at the FADA Gallery.This exhibition is to celebrate the end of an era in ceramic education at the University of Johannesburg (1966 -2010). Invitation below.
New second ceramic blog titled, Ceramic Alumni UJ.
I have started a second blog with the view to begin to publish it's valuable and significant role in the art, design and craft community. Follow the link above; click on the title of the post, or the link provided directly above; promoting the exhibition.