Loop (Euphorbia Abyssinioca)

2021
120cm x 160cm x 100cm
Bronze

Loop (Euphorbia Abyssinioca) is part of an ongoing catalogue of absurd cast bronze hyper-natural cacti. Each sculpture highlights the vital evolutionary properties that define the succulents’ unique aesthetics and character. These root-less hyper-cacti are the imagining of an absurd future evolutionary stage, where plant-migration is necessary to adapt to changing temperatures and environments.

This upright, proud 160cm bronze cactus loop contrasts with a delicate, smaller loop cast in 1-3mm thick bronze (Loop Euphorbia Triangularis, 2019), which vibrates, wobbles and dances when touched. This collection uses a material conversation to amplify nature’s solutions to life.

The form of the sculptures started off as scribbles and loops on paper – and through the time-intensive and costly bronze casting process, are rendered eternal. Historically the process of bronze-casting was used to give permanence to the finite and so these loops, once placed on their polystyrene altarpieces, are elevated to the level of the religious infinite. Whilst the lighter sculptures barely leave a trace on the artificial surface, over time, the heaviest loops sink into the polystyrene (or are consumed by the movement of the plastic around them). This material hierarchy of seemingly contrasting materials, is brought together by the inter-material conversation of longevity – microplastic and bronze both exist indefinitely.