Cracked Myths installation invites reflection on long held beliefs in classical ideals versus the fragility of human beings. The cracks in these sculptures symbolize the passage of time, the fragility of humanity, and the endurance of classical art. They explore the idea that beauty is not complete without bearing traces of suffering or damage. But as I started to create my dystopia I realised the comparisons with our modern society.
Themes of survival, memory and cultural endurance
Although the cultures do not align, I am going to sculpt some figures with magnificent African hair styles. Merging pre-colonial African hair art with a Grecian dystopian ceramic installation creates a powerful statement. It links ancient African identity and strength with classical ruins and a broken future. This contrast highlights themes of survival, memory, and cultural endurance which are central to the philosophy behind Cracked Myths.
But, how shall I create this dystopian world in clay?
A dystopian environment
- The Ground will be a large exhibition plinth or photographic backdrop so I will have to add things to create the correct impression.
- Debris & Scrap: Roll out thin strips of silver or grey clay to mimic twisted rebar, pipes, and fallen industrial debris.
- Ruined Architecture: Form blocky, geometric shapes for crumbling skyscrapers. Press into the clay with a craft knife to create broken windows or caved-in roofs.
Adding Atmospheric Details
- Weathering & Grime: Once the clay is dry, I could use acrylic paints to apply an edge wash to give a grimy, smog-covered finish.
- Neon Elements: Elements of bright, unnatural colour (such as gold, red and bright blue) will be used for shattered neon signs, the hounds of Hades’s red eyes. Create those shattered neon signs, but what will they say?
Cyclopes surveillance camera
Echoing the dystopian theme of Cracked Myths my Cyclopes will have a single surveillance camera eye to echo the cameras on the pillars dominating the landscape. They are one-eyed giant, smiths, or shepherds. Here they are in their fired, but not glazed stage and if you look closely you cans the surveillance camera eye which ultimately will be glazed dark blue.
These surveillance camera eyes will also be found in:
1. surveillance cameras attached to the destroyed Graceo Roman pillars,
2. the oversized spectacles of the goddess Clio reading her Cracked Myths book.
Latterly I have become dissatisfied with the dominant surveillance concept – it will remain in the background, but the myths will dominate over all. The final picture shows the Cracked Myths at August 2026 and an early imagining of how it might be displayed as a Surtout display.
CRACKED MYTHS 