I Still Can't See You
Artist: Green, Lauren · b. 1998
The sculpture which features in this work was researched, constructed, and installed by the artist whilst in Florence on her 2021 RSA John Kinross Scholarship in 2022.
The artist has written of this work;
"Through sculpture and photography, I aim to discuss methods of space exploration as a
speculative project, while expressing an ethical concern in the politics that are influencing the
ways in which technological advances are utilised. By lightly employing science-fiction as a genre, I aim to offer a geo-political critique on the ecological and social commons of space, considering the potential commercialisation and weaponisation of technology by existing space agencies.
Curiosity, intrinsically linked to the unknown, has driven the evolution of telescopes, allowing humanity to gain a deeper understanding of celestial bodies. The further we see, the further the map extends. However, the ambiguous and questionable aspect lies in the means by which we traverse these distant realms.
“Telescope ‘I still can’t see you,’” is photographed at Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory in Florence, Italy. This observatory, established in 1872 as a memorial to Galileo, who resided
nearby during his period of house arrest, symbolises the progression of telescopic research over time. By presenting the piece within the confines of a small amphitheater situated on the observatory grounds, I sought to imbue the work with a sense of legitimacy and solemnity.
Through this exhibition setup, I aim to encourage a contemplative environment that encourages its viewers to question the piece's paradoxical and ironic context, as it does not propose a hypothesis nor serve a functional purpose.
The sculpture itself can be interpreted from two perspectives. It can be seen as a tribute to
Galileo's past discoveries, with the stand and inner body of the telescope mirroring the attributes of his original design. In contrast, the most prominent section of the sculpture represents the scientifically engineered components of the latest space telescope, James Webb.
Whether viewed as a potential threat posed by technological advancement in space or as a
celebration of human progress, the absurdity of either sentiment is encapsulated by the
materials used in the piece, which remain concealed behind the lens of the camera. “Telescope 'I still can't see you’” juxtaposes the handcrafted techniques reminiscent of the past with themechanically engineered aesthetics of the present. The sculpture is constructed using
cardboard tubes, paper mâché, floor vinyl, shiny foil, and an umbrella.
Employing recycled scraps and everyday objects in my artistic process enables the creation of a fictional environment that evokes a sense of familiarity for the audience. The modest and makeshift aesthetic lends the work with a satirical and implicit quality, hopefully inviting multiple interpretations and maintaining an air of ambiguity."
© The Artist
Additional details
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Object data
Date 2022 Accession 2023.0004.2 Type Photograph Digital C-type photograph Materials Support paper, photographic Dimensions 59.4cm x 42cm Acquisition Deposit, John Kinross Travel Scholarship Green, Lauren (March 14th, 2923) -
Exhibitions
No exhibition data for this record.
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