Heidi Stålnacke: In the Meadow

A mixed media sculpture.

How would a meadow feel, taste, and smell if experiencing it were only based on memories? The artist's goal has been to create beautiful reflections of nature from garbage and make the viewer long for what has not yet been lost.  

The image surface is made of disposable straws. The material was especially relevant the working process because the EU had finally decided to ban the production disposable straws and also other plastic disposable cutlery. The artist has received material for her works, e.g. from food companies. If the product's packaging breaks in the store, it is no longer sellable.  

Stålnacke is particularly interested in transparent plastic surfaces and how light reflects from them. Plastic is a contradictory material: at the same time distressing and interesting. There is also a hidden ancient light in plastic. The most common raw material for plastic is petroleum. Over a long period of time, oil has been created from prehistoric plants and marine organisms that have been buried under stratified soil. The chemical energy of fossil fuels, such as petroleum, is solar energy collected by the vegetation of the early days of the earth. 

Light sources, materials, and equipment:  
Led light tubes. Recycled plastic and recycled metal.

Dimensions of the work, approximately (width-height-depth): 
79x60x16 cm

Electricity consumption:
Standard mains current (10A/16A).

Does the artwork use sound?
No sound.

Support and other structures:
The work includes all the necessary structures. The work is installed with screws on the wall, but can also stand free on a stand.

Structures, hardware, or other equipment needed from the client: 

Minimum height of the space:
1 m

Minimum square meters of the space:
1 m2

Requirements for the space: darkness, temperature, colouring (light / dark / specific colour / other) etc.:
Indoor art.

Building time and people required (estimate):
5 min -30 min. The artwork is quite heavy, so two people may be needed if it is installed on a wall.

Artist's presence:
Guidance can be provided for building.

Seen before at:
BUB, Oulu Museum of Art, 2017/2018

CONTACT INFORMATION

BLAF Best of Light Art in Finland
is hosted by
Finnish Light Art Society FLASH
2877700-6
LightArtFi

Producer: Annukka Ketola
annukka.ketola@valotaiteenseura.fi
+358 40 735 3972

Curators:
Mia Kivinen / mia.kivinen@valotaiteenseura.fi
Anna Björklund / anna.bjorklund@valotaiteenseura.fi

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