Final Concept: Below Ground

Artist: Fiona Hall

Keyword: Vigorous

Art Piece: Understorey Collection

Materials: Sheet glass, concrete, braided wire cable, exposed earth (soil).

The corresponding images focuses on the artwork of Fiona Hall, in particular the collection of intricate sculptures that illustrate a certain juxtaposition between life and death. The premise of this studio space is to display a sense of dynamic energy and contrast, whilst focusing on the natural world which is the intersection of nature and culture, the very essence of Hall's majority of works. 

Allowing natural light into the studio was an important element, as such a glass ceiling is fixed to one corner of the studio. This highlights the theme of life and death, as symbolically one peers above and outward to the heavens. It allows Hall to view the social aspects at play above the mezzanine level, watching and listening to people talk about her work of societal dilemmas and intriguing events. 

The walls are dissected into a play of angular lines and planes, whilst mimicking retainer walls made of concrete and filled with the very earth surrounding it. Again this focuses on the contrasting effect playing with man-made and natural materials, while symbolising a direct contrast of forms based above ground (softer, harmonious surfacing). The use of glass sheets elevated off the structure for the stairs and flooring directly relates to the main material used in her Understorey work. Rather than having stepped staircase I decided using runners leading to the gallery level, as it implies that life is a slow and unwinding journey, as witnessed by the images above. 

The overall impression is a studio area that needs to capture growth/life, while portraying a contrasting vision between death.