Discourse of a Pumpkin
'The Discourse of a Pumpkin' is an on-going project exploring the pumpkin as a symbol in society from historical reference to contemporary. The main emphasis of this work is to raise questions surrounding consumerism, novelty, agriculture and progression.
A Plant. A Crop. A Commodity.
As the pages of ‘A Plant. A Crop. A Commodity.’ unfold they reveal a spiralling consciousness made of images and words. Uncovering how embedded the pumpkin is in our history and contemporary society. An indicator of change, the pumpkin shows the movement of ideals, value and status through its transition of crop, myth, tradition, ornament to commodity. The humble pumpkin is anything but just an icon of Halloween, it is a symbol of social political change.
A Plant. A Crop. A Commodity.
Zine
A5
Blank Space
The white is stark against the dark, rich earth. Its natural form is contrasted by its state as being neither living nor dying. It is stripped of its boundaries, status and value, to become something new. An alienation of what we know. Is it natural? Is it urban? Dystopian or Utopian?
Blank Space
Installation
12ft x 12ft
Encased
Bearing witness to change, the pumpkin adapts in both its natural form and as a symbol, leading to question; where does this place the pumpkin post Anthropocene?
Encompass
Inspired by still life as an art form, ‘Encompass’ has evolved from the concept that natural forms and objects are embedded with connotations and denotations. Changing materials emphasises these semiotics, the form of the pumpkin remains. Organic matter is replaced by a mixture of clay and porcelain, creating contrast, being neither living nor dying. Stripped of boundaries, status, and value, to become something new.
An alienation of what we know.
Proud to have exhibited Encompass as part of New Art Gallery Walsall's #WestMidlandsOpen in 2022. Later being adapted to RBSA's Annual Members Exhibition 2023.
Encompass
Ceramic, Soil & Display Box
40cm (Length) x 40cm (Width) x 44cm (Height)
Humilis Cucurbita
Wild pumpkins have become endangered due to mass cultivation of the iconic orange Halloween pumpkin. In light of this Humilis Cucurbita is a workshop that encourages home growing through creating manifesto plant pots.