THE FOUR ELEMENTS
A SCULPTURE SERIES BY ISABELLE SIEM
'The Four Elements' is a sculpture series that draws inspiration from the ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles' theory of the four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Each sculpture in this series serves as a visual exploration of the characteristics and balance of these fundamental elements, inviting viewers on a journey of reflection and contemplation.
'Ignition' (83 x 105 x 20 cm) is a sculpture that captures the essence of fire's dynamic and unpredictable nature. Crafted from burned wood, it portrays a swirling dance of flames that seem to leap and lick the air, symbolizing the intensity of human emotion and the spark of creativity, lust and passion.
'Fluidity' (84 x 83 x 30 cm) depicts the element water. The shapes are built out of pigmented wood, aiming to capture the gentle flow of water, with its undulating waves. The piece consists of overlapping pieces that evoke the ebb and flow of existence itself. This piece invites the audience to pause, to reflect, and to surrender themselves to the sublime beauty of water, which has the ability to transport us to a place of calmness.
'Resilience' (90 x 65 x 30 cm) is inspired by the solidity and strength of the earth. This sculpture is made out of round shapes symbolizing planet earth. The circles also serve as a visual narrative, depicting the circular phases that define the course of existence. Each shape in the installation represents a distinct phase of life, seamlessly flowing from one to the next in an unbroken cycle.
'Translucent' (83 x 80 x 30 cm) captures the elusive quality of air. The sculpture's shapes are inspired by the details of an airplane. The work represents the significance of the element air, without it we are not ale to breathe. At the same time, the work serves as a juxtaposition of the pure, elemental spirit of air and the suffocating cloud of pollution. 'Translucent' serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human activities and how we need to handle air with care.
