Ishmael Randall-Weeks b. 1976
Pizzara I, 2023
Brass, wood, rattan, grout, chalkboard
35 x 60 x 6 cm
13 3/4 x 23 5/8 x 2 3/8 in
13 3/4 x 23 5/8 x 2 3/8 in
Courtesy of the Artist and Lawrie Shabibi
Further images
The Chalkboard screen series draws inspiration from the architectural influences of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus, exploring the language inherent in materials like chalkboard, concrete, copper etching, rotten sliders, brass hinges...
The Chalkboard screen series draws inspiration from the architectural influences of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus, exploring the language inherent in materials like chalkboard, concrete, copper etching, rotten sliders, brass hinges and compressed sands from Samaca. The pieces engage with the unspoken language of chalkboards, symbolically facilitating the transfer of knowledge and inspiring viewers to form open-ended interpretations. The mural sculptures undergo a dynamic transformation with the use of sliding screens, resonating with the idea of adaptability and objects possessing endless possibilities. The artist explores the rich traditions of pre-Columbian societies, where oral and weaving practices, particularly through knots (Quipu), served as a unique form of language. This influence is still palpable today in the artist's hometown of Ollantaytambo, where women continue to wear dresses reflecting these enduring traditions.