I am Mars

Soundtrack: Mars Theme - Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

In the ceramic work "I am Mars," we glimpse a distant world, captured in earthly matter. This spherical object, dark as the cosmic void, tells the story of our fascination with the red planet.

The surface of the piece is a study in contrasts and textures. Deep cracks and grooves traverse the surface, a direct reference to the imposing Valles Marineris on Mars. This 'Grand Canyon' of Mars, represented here in miniature, winds across the curvature of the ceramic, creating a tactile topography that invites touch and contemplation.

Around the opening of the object, a subtle golden accent glimmers. These delicate details evoke various interpretations. Are they traces of precious minerals, hidden in the Martian soil? Or perhaps mysterious markings left by an unknown intelligence? This ambiguity adds a layer of mystery and speculation to the work, reflecting our eternal curiosity about possible signs of life in the universe.

The dark colors of the object evoke the deep shadows in Martian craters, or the mysterious depths of space itself. Against this background, the subtle color variations and textures gain extra significance, like a landscape slowly taking shape in the light of a distant sun.

"I am Mars" is more than a representation; it is a meditation on our relationship with the cosmos. In this hand-formed object, earthly craftsmanship and extraterrestrial inspiration merge. It invites the viewer to ponder the limits of our knowledge, the scope of our imagination, and the irresistible allure of the unknown.

This piece is a bridge between worlds - a tangible fragment of Mars, here on Earth. It shows how art can bridge the gap between the known and the unknown, and how human creativity reaches for the stars, even as our feet remain firmly planted on the ground.

2024

Ceramics, glaze, wood ash, gold luster

Size: H:21cm, D: 22cm

Photo's: Alex Condijts Photography