OrtaWater - Antarctica

Studio Orta - 1350.02
Studio Orta - 1350.02

Date: 2008
Ref: 1350.02
Materials: Wood, diverse textiles, steel, laminated Lamda photograph, 36 plasma bottles 2 water flasks, 2 OrtaWater bottles, 2 oars
Dimensions: 150 x 150 x 60cm
Exhibition history: 2016 Attenborough Art Centre, Leicester, UK; 2013 Yorkshire Sculpture Park, UK; 2009 Motive Gallery Vienna Art Week
Courtesy: Lucy + Jorge Orta

“OrtaWater – Antarctica” is a wall sculpture composed of a miniature boat and glass plasma bottles containing samples of used clothing and different flags. The miniature bivouacs speak of individual lives, lying alongside the fragments of human identity –the DNA– contained within the bottles. As displacement increases due to climate related disasters, the work is a poignant reminder of the millions of lives already lost during perilous migrant crossings for the basic human search for protection, shelter and recognition.