Centre

Ash and Pyrite Eroded Ptolemee

Daniel Arsham’s contemporary rendering of 1st century mathematician and theorist Ptolemee consists of a traditional bust that has been eroded by pyrite and crystal. The bust itself is created from an ashy matte black plaster that stands in sharp contrast to the crystals flecks of glitter that adorn it. Though Arsham has several other works that similarly cast objects in plaster, this piece uses a classical form rather than modern artifacts to comment on the artist’s notions of “future archaeology.” Despite the sculpture’s depiction of a historical subject, the gold minerals pull the piece into a contemporary sphere, modernizing Ptolomee while at the same time actively contributing to the sculpture’s decay through the physical erosion of the form. By revisiting a classical form in a new light, Arsham explores the intersections between iconography and temporality, questioning the identity of the future relics of our present era. Which contemporary art forms will be fossilized and withstand the test of time? What will future archeologists make of our current artistic environment and the relics of our time? Through his work, Arsham provokes these considerations, the same questions that historians of previous eras may have asked about the art that came before them.

Blue Calcite Eroded Sarcophagus With Nereids

Daniel Arsham’s Blue Calcite Eroded Sarcophagus with Nereids depicts a detailed high relief sculpture including cows, angels, roman pillars, and classical nude figures. Upon first glance, the scene appears to be something out of ancient history, furthered in the intentional weathering of the hydrostone figures to give the illusion of age. However, with a closer inspection one can see that it is not time, but blue calcite and quartz crystals that have eroded the scene, boring holes straight through to the wall in some places. The crystals appear to spread organically across the piece, almost like mold or a piece of paper that has just caught fire. Through Arsham’s careful placement of elements, the hard stone of the sculpture combined with the jagged edges of the minerals creates an image that is shockingly soft. The crystalline erosion emerges naturally, and challenges the solidity of the stone by breaking it down. Arsham’s piece blends the decay of archeological objects with the beauty of glittering crystals, creating an aesthetic image of erosion that begs the viewer to consider the beauty of decay by showcasing a contemporary rendition of an aging relic of the past.