Artifacts (1999)

The work won first prize at the SASOL SCI- fest art and science competition, sponsored by the French Embassy in 1999.

“Artifacts” consists of functional;, everyday equipment – a computer, a soldier jacket and a pair of trousers on a chair, covered and aged by several layers of rusted tins tarred together. On the screen of the computer, behind the rusted gauze, a continuous game of pinball is visible.

The computer is an essential tool in contemporary warfare, part of the sophisticated technology available to soldiers. To a contemporary “ audience’ wars seem to be fought in cyber – space and the distinction between reality and fiction is blurred.

The objects see to have an archaeological quality, renders by the rusted tins. We are forced to look a contemporary history as if it is ancient.