Artist: Valerie Shaw
Title: Lost in Translation
Medium: Metal sculptures, artworks, natural and found objects
Artist Statement
“Lost in Translation” challenges the viewer to interpret a collection of seemingly unrelated metal sculptures, found objects, natural forms and images reflecting brief insights into fleeting moments in time and space. Shaw is a collector of discarded objects and materials, infusing new life into these acquisitions.
In the semi-conscious state between waking and sleeping the mind plays games bringing together seemingly unrelated events, concepts and imagery. A documentation of this meditative state whilst attempting to resolve ideas for an installation has resulted in the creation of this installation. The inclusion of shadow adds to the mystery of semi- consciousness thought.
This installation also reflects the artist’s interest in concepts relating to the passing of time, archaeology and ancestors, land issues, feminism.
“We divide the land and the land divides us”.
Having experienced first-hand government “acquisition” of predominantly
white owned farms in Zimbabwe, land issues are constantly present, as is the
problem surrounding degradation of the environment.
The truth is only spoken in the shadows.
Found objects: everything is a possibility particularly if old/ rusted. The artist is a mixed media/graphic artist, painter, sculptor, keen amateur photographer, educationalist and researcher. Collage, textures, fabric, wire work, binding and weaving also appear consistently in the artists’ work.
