The
works I made for Crossroads and Confluence were
inspired by my travels to Rome, Florence and Pompeii. These places
seemed even more ideal after reading the following verses written
by two of the participating artists at the onset of this collaborative
project:
time and again
blurred lines of past
and present blending
now and then
somewhere
elsewhere
floating between
where I am and was
here or there
I have focused
on Pompeii, in particular, the 2000 year old `lost`civilisation
buried under volcanic lava during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius
in 79 AD. The remains of the advanced, decadent lifestyle of the
ancient Romans who resided there are literally frozen in time.
Aesthetics obviously played a significant role; the arts were
certainly a facet of everyday life, from the private villas and
workplaces to the public institutions, bath houses and walkways.
The frescoes and mosaics have cracked, worn surfaces with pieces
missing but are still visible, and the faded ochres, siennas and
charcoals are surprisingly vibrant. Many of the sculptures that
line the streets and plazas are damaged or crumbling, and others
are in mint condition. The artworks truly represent both the past
and the present and provide insights into a fascinating time in
history. |
