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The Circle of One is a multi-media installation featuring original sculptures, photography, music, performance, and digital media by Antoine Bonsorte and Abram Zinberg. Alongside their original works, several noteworthy items are on display, designed or included to create a unique meditative space from which to experience the installation’s tantric qualities.
The installation includes a number of large carvings inspired by sacred objects from non-Western cultures. Hand-hewn from dense foam, patinas suggesting various metal surfaces have been meticulously applied. The bases are reclaimed ironwood and teak. The ironwood comes from a mid-nineteenth century Dutch-built railroad bridge. These particular timbers were part of the bridge’s support structure, submerged under water. The smaller bases were salvaged from the keel of an old Javanese commercial fishing boat. The heaviness and scale of the wood creates a solid visual anchor for the sculptures, and lends them an additional element of rare beauty.
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Universal symbolism of the circle is considered, each sculpture articulating many aspects of the whole. "Caracol" draws its name from a Spanish word meaning both seashell and the execution of a half-turn, calling to mind the rhythms of the ocean, tides, dance, the cycles of life, and personal evolution as one discovers new ideas and incorporates them into one's approach to life. "Nascent Kiss" reminds us of relational emergence, release, and attachment - the excitement and trepidation of attempting something new; leaning in for a first kiss; examining a thing, a relationship, an idea and deciding that it is worth holding on to; the fragility and preciousness of our emotional bonds. "Isis's Crown" is the maternal embrace, the movement from infancy to maturity, the womb, the feminine dichotomy of strength and nurturing. "Ganasha's Embrace" speaks of the will to break through obstacles and the courage to begin anew, the succession of experiences and connections that give us the momentum to move toward our goals, and the ability to bring these concepts to bear in aiding and appropriately sheltering those about whom we care. "Cybele" is the anticipation of completion and fulfillment, when all that preceded comes to fruition.
Upon entering the exhibit, guests are greeted by a 19th century Chinese wedding bed made on the north coast of Central Java. This bed was part of the dowry for a wealthy ethnic Chinese bride living in Java. The bed is masterfully carved in the Javanese style and in remarkable condition. The red green and blue lacquer and mother of pearl inserts are perfectly intact which is quite rare on beds of this vintage.
Framing the projection screen are two large water features, painstakingly carved from a palm tree in ripples that accentuate the natural moire pattern of the grain. The sound of water falling over the warm tones of the wooden elements plays a gentle counterpoint to the original musical compositions that accompany the digital media elements.
A chaise lounge carved from a single piece of exotic hardwood root rests in the center of the installation. The native craftsman used his skill to enhance its natural shape, rather than imposing his will on its form. Originally an above ground root that served as a supporting buttress for a giant tropical tree, it has transformed into a truly unique piece of furniture.
Complementing the sculptures are two large oil painitngs by Soo San (http://www.soosansuryawan.com/) entitled Fire Stoker and Crumbling Buddha", original oil paintings by SooSan. A dear friend of both Antoine and Abram, SooSan is an internationally recognized painter whose interest in multiculturalism is a hallmark of her work. A long-time resident of Bali, SooSan's paintings incorporate spiritual themes from diverse belief systems, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and animism.
In the second room. you will also find various antique granary elements from Indonesia. The large weathered wooden disk, called a "laba", was originally an architectural element which fit over the granary roof's vertical support beam. Its purpose was to prevent small animals from contaminating the grain. The small wooden discs with carved hypnotic lines were originally designed to sort nuts by size. Removed from their original context, they now serve as contemporary sculpture, showing a beautiful patina that can only be achieved by nature.
"The Circle of One" is a pure montage. Stimulation for all the senses has been accounted for, allowing participants to immerse themselves in a contemplative environment fostered by the sounds, sights, textures, aromas, and tastes surrounding them.
Technical note:
The sculptures on display are designed as masters for casting in bronze, aluminum, and fiberglass. They are sculpted by hand in a foam substrate, coated in a resin hardener, hand finished, and then surface patinas were applied. The finished products are remarkably lightweight despite the sculptures’ heavy appearance. Using this technique, we are able to present several large pieces in one exhibit. Had the pieces already been cast in bronze or aluminum, a crane would have been required to install the sculptures, reducing the number which could be displayed at once.
Each sculpture is being offered in a limited edition of six castings in each of the media offered, with a total of eighteen of each design completed before the molds are destroyed. The cast sculptures will be mounted and delivered within 90 days of order. The Nascent Kiss and Caracol are also being presented as maquettes for monumentally-sized pieces that can be scaled up to fit the installation or installed in a series of various sizes. The originals on display are also available for purchase.
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BONSORTE DESIGN STUDIO
2401 Lincoln Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90405 • 310 450 5200
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