I have written 5 previous posts about my Etruscan project at Hotel Fontermosa: graphic solutions, room numbers, greeting card, and portraits. This is the last of the series. . .an installation created for the hotel’s dining room.
First a short definition. Installation art describes an artistic genre of works that are often site-specific, three-dimensional works designed to transform the perception of a space. It is an art form generally applied to interior spaces.
Using wax and wire mesh, I created two Etruscan figures, the double flute player and the dancer, ever present entertainers at a festive gathering in Etruria. My intention and purpose was to complete my Etruscan theme in an area used for the consumption of food and beverages, a dining hall, where the magic flute and ballerina evoke sensations of conviviality, music, dance,
In the Etruscan tradition the sharing of food played a role of primary importance. The practice of offering a banquet for various festivities or celebrations signified that there was a special communion between the participants and the divine. Precious foods were offered: milk, wine, honey, meats and particular breads made with herbs and cereals.
My figures were modeled after a dancer depicted in the Tomb of the Triclinio (above left) and a dancer depicted in the Tomb of the Lion (above right) and, of course, the flute player from the Tomb of the Leopard (below) (all can be seen in the archeological site at Tarquinia.)
Many sketches, many preliminary plans were drawn and a near-life size drawing was made to help me with proportions. Then the inner structure of metal tubing and wire was made. It had to be solid and secure because I intended to suspend my figures from the ceiling so that they would be free. . .weightless. Now in the dining room, objects of curiosity, they are often touched making them swing (especially by children) and, in a way, they are brought to life.
It was winter, I remember, and the wax was hard because of the cold. I had to use a hairdryer to make the wax soft enough to press into the wire mesh. The process was slow because of this.
The materials I used varied. I am a hopeless hoarder so I have a studio full of THINGS that I hate to through out, “you never know when they will be useful!” The wire mesh, once cut, twisted and pulled, rolled and folded, was covered in places by yellow colored tarlatan ( a kind of gauzy cloth that you use to clean inked plates while etching), it was painted, was lined with transparent acetate sheets or just plain plastic. Bits of metal were used to decorate both figures. Silver leaf was used on the musician’s face.
Once ready to be placed in the dining area, a Plexiglas panel, (1 mt. x 3 mt.) was fixed to the wall behind the area where they would hang in order to create a virtual space.
Details
www.fontermosa.it
