Through June 16, Slover Library, Norfolk
Mythically, with a wash of whimsy, this collection by
Lorraine Fink
includes 8- and 3-foot sculptures, which feature both obsolete and repurposed objects. The collection imparts a powerful, societal statement connecting past, present and future sensibilities.
Obsolete (replaced by LEDs) and discarded gymnasium light fixtures from the Simon Family JCC that were relegated to a landfill were rescued, reclaimed and brought back to life with a wink and a nod through Fink’s time-traversing vision and artistry. Newly sculpted with electrical wire, circuit boards, remote controls, washers, CDs, plastic laminate samples, non-recyclable VHS tapes, toilet paper inner tubes, newspaper delivery bags, and other scratched, dented, discarded and found offerings, each became a fixture of a tribe complete with facial features, ritual adornments , body paint and a transcendence of place and time.
Patterned after her well-traveled encounters with the indigenous peoples of New Guinea, India, Nepal, China, Kenya and Mexico, to name only a few, Fink’s sculptural beings become kindred spirits inspired by the rich and varied cultures she has explored.
These tech-tribal sculptures standing 42-inch tall upon their pedestals, along with the 8-foot totems leave visitors wondering and smiling.
Admission to the library is free. The opening reception was filmed by WHRO for inclusion in an upcoming episode of The Scene, which will stream online on July 6.