The Grey Area

The Grey Area, charcoal on greyboard, 2016.

The space between definition. The lived and negotiated space we exist within universal

The vision of the city and what it should look like. A theatre of negotiation of competing factors.

 

The piece is segmented into four cut sections to reflect the poured concrete sections of reinforced concrete constructions, giving definition and distinction. Symbolising the devisions we impose to create socially accepted norms.

 

 

The Bhuddist act of sweeping is archetypal and is reflected in the daily routine of the city, as it may become a kind of temple to a certain vision. 

The streets of Hong Kong are swept by some of the poorest in the society. An uncomfortable fact in the commercially driven economy where the  contrast between rich and poor can be stark. A microcosm of the global status quo. 

Another highly visable job carried out by these people is to collect discarded cardboard on metal trolleys which are wheeled along pavements. Once their height is reaches their physically manageable limits they are pushed to collection points. From here the material re-enters a global network where the paper is recycled and shipped once again. The low status greyboard used for this piece reflects the materiality of this cycle.

Paradoxical situations. 

Natures place within the concrete is carefully considered, serving as a reminder of our origins and symbolising our dominance over it. Trees advance no further than their container meaning each becomes a kind of bonsai.

 

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