This work is inspired by a recent experience of termite mounds in Queensland and a curiosity about what these ‘clay’ biostructures could reveal about connection, time and place.
I attempt to mimic the role of termites in the creation of soil matrix or social sculpture, it’s an investigation into the matter of place, and provides a way to understand the blurring of the human/non-human binary (as explored and articulated by N
The materials I use are sourced within 5km of my home, plastics washed up amongst the shells on the shore of Elwood Beach, food that has travelled distances to arrive in my 5 km radius. Some species of termite mix faeces to the soil or bio matter,
The material, place and time of each mound - soil matrix - is recorded on a typed and hand written label to emulate a geological fieldwork record. The beginnings of a material passport, a passport of matter. A way of tracking and tracing matter. An
Twelve material mounds were placed in circles of corresponding material, miniature plastic figures were placed – in conversation. Black Cia seed from Bulgaria - How many miles does our food travel to reach us?
Termitaries uses the language of clay as a way to investigate the nature of termites, Blattaria: Isoptera - a type of cockroach, the way they reveal and distribute water, minerals, and bio-matter in the creation of bio-structures and their impac
Termitaries draws upon ideas of transience as explored by artists Robert Smithson, Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long.
Development of display ideas and playing with words; term, termite, teritarium, termitaries, terminate, terminal.
The dioramas were displayed the window boxes at Building 50, RMIT for 20 days. The site was selected because it referenced display of scientific research or collections in museums. The object displayed is temporary.
I am wondering about taking Temitaries out on my walk. Placing them on the tar seams that fill the cracks in the path, at the points where the soil has finally broken through and little green shoots appear. I am wondering about clay houses and bios
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