An extensive old collection of 52 sea shells, gathered over many years by a Dutch artist and presented within an antique oak compartment cabinet. An extraordinary piece.
The simple but beautiful oak construction brings order to an extraordinary variety of natural shapes, surfaces and colors. Spirals, ridges, polished curves and sharply articulated forms appear one after another, each given its own small exhibition space. The collection comprises a wide variety of shells, including murex, cowrie, cone, turban and helmet forms. All from the same old collection, selected by the artist for their distinctive shapes, intricate forms or wonderous colors.
The installation shows a wonderful tension between the weathered oak and the delicacy of the shells. The solid oak cabinet shows a dry, tactile surface and retains the irregularities of age and use, while the collection ranges from almost architectural forms to remarkably intricate and sculptural specimens. Seen from a distance, the repeated compartments create a strong and almost abstract composition, but closer inspection reveals the individuality of each shell. The presentation loosely recalls the tradition of the cabinet of curiosities, but without its abundance and over the top strangeness.
There is something wonderfully unforced about the whole. It’s monumental, but doesn’t feel forced or staged. It features a rare wabi sabi soul. In all its tactility, imperfection and calmness it breaths a presence that feels as natural as it is sculptural.
Would be fantastic as a freestanding and room dividing art piece in a grand living room, hallway or exhibition space.
Dimensions: W. 205 x D. 20,5 x H. 87,5 cm
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An extensive old collection of 52 sea shells, gathered over many years by a Dutch artist and presented within an antique oak compartment cabinet. An extraordinary piece.
The simple but beautiful oak construction brings order to an extraordinary variety of natural shapes, surfaces and colors. Spirals, ridges, polished curves and sharply articulated forms appear one after another, each given its own small exhibition space. The collection comprises a wide variety of shells, including murex, cowrie, cone, turban and helmet forms. All from the same old collection, selected by the artist for their distinctive shapes, intricate forms or wonderous colors.
The installation shows a wonderful tension between the weathered oak and the delicacy of the shells. The solid oak cabinet shows a dry, tactile surface and retains the irregularities of age and use, while the collection ranges from almost architectural forms to remarkably intricate and sculptural specimens. Seen from a distance, the repeated compartments create a strong and almost abstract composition, but closer inspection reveals the individuality of each shell. The presentation loosely recalls the tradition of the cabinet of curiosities, but without its abundance and over the top strangeness.
There is something wonderfully unforced about the whole. It’s monumental, but doesn’t feel forced or staged. It features a rare wabi sabi soul. In all its tactility, imperfection and calmness it breaths a presence that feels as natural as it is sculptural.
Would be fantastic as a freestanding and room dividing art piece in a grand living room, hallway or exhibition space.
Dimensions: W. 205 x D. 20,5 x H. 87,5 cm
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS PIECE
MAKE AN OFFER
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