Dead in the water
(1999)
- Artist/s name
- Fiona HALL
- Medium
- polyvinyl chloride, glass beads, silver wire, glass, wood and transparent synthetic polymer resin
- Measurements
- (a-e) 106.2 x 129.1 x 129.2 cm (installation)
- Place/s of Execution
- Adelaide, South Australia
- Accession Number
- 1999.356.a-e
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1999
© Courtesy of the artist - Gallery Location
- Not on display
Dead in the water is from a series of works that refer to Fiona Hall’s interest in environmental degeneration, native species, systems of classification, museology, colonial history and botany. This work elaborates a consistent theme in Hall’s art: the uneasy relationship between culture and nature.
The work comprises 13 individual elements constructed from PVC plumbing pipe, silver thread and glass beads. The display case has a dividing shelf between top and bottom – an implied waterline. Perforated pipe ends sit above the waterline, connected below to marine-like invertebrates and delicate coral forms that Hall has used for their literal indication of biological fragility and ecological instability. Each of the woven components emerges organically as Hall’s remarkable technical skill and virtuosity impress themselves upon her chosen materials.
