Ishmael Randall-Weeks b. 1976
Retablo IV, 2023
Grout 700, corrugated steel, notebooks and pencils, brass
200 x 120 x 5 cm
78 3/4 x 47 1/4 x 2 in
78 3/4 x 47 1/4 x 2 in
Further images
The artwork in question is a compelling piece that engages with fundamental forms such as circles and squares, incorporating a staircase element that adds layers and undergoes a transformative journey...
The artwork in question is a compelling piece that engages with fundamental forms such as circles and squares, incorporating a staircase element that adds layers and undergoes a transformative journey from closure to openness. Notably, the piece integrates school books from the 1980s, avoiding overt nostalgia and instead aiming to convey global ideals related to education, annotation, and hiddenness. The artist explores the symbolism of corrugated iron, linking it to construction and design, while emphasizing the human presence and the limitations imposed by the materials. The inclusion of the psychedelic touch of the book, complemented by the diverse global origins of the colored pencils used. The artist employs brass, grout, and concrete in a complex process, yet manages to convey a sense of ease and weightlessness in the final presentation.