Work commenting on fragility and the delicate nature of the psyche.

Untitled

Through this piece, I wanted to express my thoughts on the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and how it had affected people's lives and, specifically, mental health.

The artwork consists of a large sterling silver, double-pin brooch, with elements representing a cityscape, a window or isolating room, the horizon and a small branching structure (called a "spike glycoprotein") that protrudes from the main spherical body of the Coronavirus, as depicted in media. The brooch was designed around a partial spherical shape, representing the earth and the shape of the Coronavirus. I have used texture as a way to show the feeling of separation and ‘other’ felt by people during the pandemic.

Isolation, loneliness, alienation, the fear of the crowds... these are the themes I wanted to touch on through this piece as the world experienced one of the most turbulent and polarising events of the 21st century.

Isolate, Alienate

Like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland or the pinnacles of Cape Raoul in Tasmania, Australia, the pendant represents the rock formations known as Columnar Jointing - a result of the cooling and fracturing of flowing lava.

Standing strong against the elements, these columns were shaped over thousands of years by their environment, analogous to the weathering humans endure to evolve and reach for greater heights in their lives.

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Maria Veronica Silva