UNTITLED (LAYERED LANDSCAPE), two way mirror glass, shattered glass, neon tubing, steel, paint, led light, 2019

A complex installation—combining two-way reflective glass, neons, and alternating external light sources—leads viewers to question their position within the immediate landscape and more broadly, their relationship to the environment. 

An oval monolith placed across the pathway displays an abstract composition of shattered glass and two neon words. When lit from inside, an infinitely repeating reflection forms: this optical illusion attracts the eye into the depths of the sculpture. Yet, just as an internal world unfolds, the light source switches and the viewer’s gaze is suddenly turned upon a reflection of themselves stood in the equally boundless surrounding nature.

This unsettling shift of scale leads not only to visual destabilisation but also to heightened awareness regarding our impact on the world we live in. The problematic is explored further by the choice of words crafted in neon tubing: “Layered landscape” evokes the geological layers where the Earth’s memory is stored. Just like the rings of trees or the strata of sediment we are currently producing, in the future all will indicate the anthropocene era.  
Although the work lures us in by means of its beauty and our attraction towards a seductive visual experience, it in turn raises more disquieting questions.

Curated by Sarah Rombouts
Presented at UIT HET DONKER II by De Warande (Turnhout) & De Hoge Rielen (Kasterlee)

Pictures by Jeroen Verrecht