This body of work symbolizes the rapid, uncontrollable spread of forces—whether political ideologies, viral agents, or cultural movements—through populations. From a single point of ignition, these forces ripple outward through intricate networks, culminating in either assimilation or destruction. "Catching Fire" examines the volatile potential of matches as both medium and metaphor.
Using safety matches as my primary material, I construct expansive maps and intricate drawings that visualize concepts such as the spread of pandemics or the influence of ideological figures who have reshaped history. Each composition carries a palpable tension, embodying the duality of potential: creation and devastation. These maps, if ignited, have the capacity to self-destruct in an instant, mirroring the explosive potency of the forces they depict.
In "Catching Fire," the medium and concept are inseparably intertwined. The transformative power of matches—objects simultaneously fragile and dangerous—reflects the velocity and precarious nature of systems driven by rapid dissemination. Each piece serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between the power to ignite change and the risk of consuming everything in its wake.
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