╳ The process of transforming an object’s appearance through ‘forced’ oxidisation is really quite exciting. By applying a chemical compound that transfers oxygen atoms to the object’s surface its physical characteristics can be altered, as can the associated meanings. Thread Count Lab experimented with this magic liquid, by applying it to a variety of objects: animal, mineral and vegetable; and we elicited some fascinating results. The purpose of our enquiry? To discover the ‘unexpected’. ╳ An object’s physical appearance communicates an idea, or story, which is read by a viewer. ‘How’ or ‘what’ a viewer perceives is determined by their lexicon of personal experience, or ‘understanding’ so for the purpose of Thread Count Lab’s experiment, a variety of commonplace objects were selected, ranging from a porcelain teacup to a fragment of concrete. We commonly associate rusting with corrosion or antiquity, so when presented with the image of a ‘corroded’ teacup or coral branch, our pre-conceptions were challenged and suggested a whole new exciting ‘visual language’.
╳ A ‘visual language’ is a system of communication that uses visual elements to ‘speak’ therefore according to our research statement: ‘Through materiality how can we embed sentiment into materials?’ we suppose that oxidisation could be used as a metaphor to suggest the passage of time; and in our generic and glossy world of ‘non-places’ which Marc Augé describes as “places of transience that do not hold enough significance to be regarded as "places", old father time might be quite welcome.
╳ Our cooperative Lab partners included amongst others:
1* Modern Masters Metal Effect Iron Paint
1* Coral Branch
1* Windsor Bone China Teacup
1* Spool Wite Cotton Thread
