Cradle, 2002–2004
12 elements, white Italian marble, steel stands;
Each unit: 92 x 81 x 214cm (36”x 32” x 84”)
Cradle
“Cradle” consists of twelve heads, all scaled to be roughly two times human size. The heads are based on Mesopotamian artifacts, from the remains of the cradle of western civilization. While the backs of the heads are carved with fine detail, the fronts, the faces are not visible because they are literally stuck in the block, blocks the size of building blocks. Lifted slightly above head-height, all twelve pieces sit on individual pedestals that are installed to form a square space. The pieces are 100cm apart from each other so that the viewer can physically enter the space. Inside of the square, the viewer faces the back of twelve individual forms, heads looking in the same direction, yet the viewer is the only one who is able to see.
In this piece the viewer is put into a position of responsibility. Once engaged as a participant we are faced with the awareness that culture is a changing construct, we are responsible for the unfolding of history.
Last Update: April 2008
