The Folded Skies Installation Explores Land Complexities
Elena Rahman — July 5, 2021 — Art & Design
References: counterspace-studio & dezeen
Counterspace's Folded Skies installation explores the complex geographies of Johannesburg, South Africa. The project comprises three large iridescent mirror sculptures meant to recreate Johannesburg's light at sunrise, sunset, and midnight. Using pigments found in dust produced by the mines surrounding the city, each mirror features a different color gradient.
The Folded Skies project draws on Sumayya Vally's research on Johannesburg's toxic mine dumps. While the mirror installations are beautiful, the materials used, such as copper, cobalt, nickel, and potassium, are toxic substances extracted from the mentioned dust. Commenting on the city's atmospheric condition, the pieces were originally meant to rest at a mine to reflect the mining landscape in Johannesburg. Instead are installed at the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Image Credit: Dezeen
The Folded Skies project draws on Sumayya Vally's research on Johannesburg's toxic mine dumps. While the mirror installations are beautiful, the materials used, such as copper, cobalt, nickel, and potassium, are toxic substances extracted from the mentioned dust. Commenting on the city's atmospheric condition, the pieces were originally meant to rest at a mine to reflect the mining landscape in Johannesburg. Instead are installed at the Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.
Image Credit: Dezeen
Trend Themes
1. Iridescent Mirror Art Installations - The use of iridescent mirrors in art installations presents an opportunity to create immersive and visually stunning experiences.
2. Sustainable Art Practices - Incorporating sustainable materials and practices into art installations offers an opportunity to address environmental concerns and promote eco-friendly art.
3. Art as Social Commentary - Using art installations as a way to comment on complex social and environmental issues presents an opportunity to raise awareness and spark conversations around those topics.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can incorporate the trend of iridescent mirror art installations to offer unique, visually stunning pieces to collectors and enthusiasts.
2. Mining and Resource Extraction - The mining and resource extraction industry can explore disruptive innovation opportunities by finding ways to extract valuable materials from mine dust while minimizing environmental impact.
3. Wine and Hospitality - The wine and hospitality industry can incorporate sustainable art practices into their properties by featuring eco-friendly art installations made from locally sourced materials.
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