Empire
installation with papier-mâché, acrylic on paper, found objects, organic material, and sound
approximately 14’ x 10’ x 15’
2019

Empire is a reflection on cycles of power, allegiance, and civilization through the physical remnants of nationalism. This installation was created and displayed at Place 167 Gallery while in residence at World of CO in Sofia, Bulgaria. While exploring the city I was captivated by the visible changes of empire embedded in its architecture, incorporating this into an ongoing interest in shifting borders and nationalistic fallacies.

The flag forms were derived from colors of the banners of Hungary, the USSR, Russia, Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, and the USA, including those modified by revolutionary movements. The papier-mâché objects were cast from stones found on the streets of Sofia. Body casts were made from my foot and a fellow resident’s arm. Petri dishes and flasks growing moss and ivy are placed along the periphery of the room.

The sound played through small speakers mounted inside a cluster of cast papier-mâché stones is a synthesis of field recordings of bells at Sofia’s Kabanite monument and an altered recording of myself on melodica, playing the exact note of the air sirens that are broadcast every June 2nd in Bulgaria to honor all who fell for the freedom and independence of the nation.