Please and Thank You
Half measures play no part in Carina Capone’s body of work for the final year of her BFA at the National Art School. Starting the year with a solid concept of the site-specific installation she wanted to create, she has unstintingly followed her vision, thoroughly researching materials, historical background and ecological issues to support her heartfelt tribute to Mother Earth.
Appropriately, the predominant material used is earth itself—terracotta and sculptural clay—over-fired to vitrify and strengthen the pieces in preparation for external conditions. All materials Capone uses are ecologically sound, idealistically reinforcing a work that pays homage to three prime life supporting elements: water, food and shelter. |
Once completed, Capone’s life-sized ceramic Goddess will kneel before us with drinking water running from her cupped hands. The body is fecund and lush, perhaps not so much a mother as a siren luring us to linger. Individually-shaped goblets surrounding her will invite us to quench our thirst. Large bowls featuring detailed relief carvings of fruit and nuts will be filled with seasonal produce to tempt us to sate our hunger and buckwheat-filled cushions will encourage relaxation, reflection and communication; appreciation of the bounty of a fertile Earth.
This is a work where ancient crafts and rituals combine with classical forms, then add audience involvement to create a Happening directly from the 1960s. Though deriving from Greek and Eastern sculptural traditions, it is the hope, rebellion and energy intrinsic to the era of love that vivifies this work. Capone has stated that she set out to create a ‘shrine’ to represent ‘the respect we are rediscovering for nature’ and this work is all about respect and reverence. |
Originally Happenings set out to challenge conventional ideas of what art was in an era fast slipping into the information age. The ephemeral status of those works reminded audiences of the passing parade of human existence. Grand narratives lost power. Now, entrenched in a post-modern world, Capone returns to the past with contemporary insight. Making art in the Anthropocene, inspired by what might be humankind’s last grand narrative, she mixes species-long artisan traditions with transient art styles and asks her audience to pause, partake and acknowledge the trajectory of our species.
The boldness and confidence of this work are as moving as the work itself. It is as if the artist through sheer will and craft might fix what is broken. This no hurried or chance creation; Capone’s intellect and skill are fully engaged and extended to make her work an evocation of humankind’s debt to a life-supporting planet. Tanya Overson |