The Blue Shark is the most widely distributed animal in the world growing up to 3·8 metres in length. It is also the most heavily fished shark in the world. Estimates suggest 10–20 million are killed each year. As with most oceanic shark, they have not been successfully kept in captivity – most die within less than 30 days. They are one of the fastest fish in the sea, scientists estimate they can reach a top speed of about 35km/h. These basic facts together with the exceptional beauty of this animal inspired this project
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ink on paper (screen print)
chinese coins + gold leaf, fishing line + thread
300 x 100 x 100 cm (approx.)
ink on paper (woodcut print) + structural gel + 24 Kt Gold Leaf
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The Longevity series explores the idea of man’s search for an eternal/extended life at whatever cost. Inspired by the increasing demand in Asian markets for Manta Ray gill rakers, marketed as a Traditional Chinese Medicine used in soup. Its medical benefits are claimed to boost the immune system, cure cancer and promote fertility, to name just a few. However, none of these claims are supported by traditional Chinese medical texts nor science.
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ink on paper (woodcut print) + structural gel + 24 Kt Gold Leaf
blue medical bottle fragments + fishing line
240 x 200 x 300 (approx.)
ink on paper (woodcut print) + structural gel + 24 Kt Gold Leaf
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Related Links
Work from Blue Shark IV|2013 in 3D
The work was inspired by the artist's love of the Barbican as a piece of architecture and passion from nature, which is literally embedded within the Barbican through it's many trees and plants both inside and outside of the space.
The initial artwork was created while the artist was studying at Central Saint Martin's College of Art and DesignI and went into production during his first term at Camberwell College of Art 2010. All work was on sale at the Barbican Centre Muse store from January until September 2011.
Artwork, products and the display were designed by the artist.
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screen print on paper (also printed on plywood)
29 x 36 cm
woodcut print on Japanese paper
38 x 31 cm
woodcut print on Japanese paper
25 x 31 cm
window display (view from outside the shop)
Wall exhibition
Window display (looking out into the barbican ground floor area)
Interior display (cloth products and limited ed. prints)
Close-up of cloth based products (screens print on cotton)
