In the heart of Jenny Polak's "Homeward Bound" exhibit at BRIC House lies the unexpected marvel, the "Watch Tower Plantation House Lamp." This artwork enters into a realm where art becomes a powerful conduit for addressing the impacts of state-sanctioned violence, mass incarceration, and immigration detention. It's made with a fusion of wood, papier-mâché, 3D print, and light, the long papier-mâché sculpture deftly weaves traditional and contemporary elements. This piece shares a deep meaning with the soft glow emanating from the 3D-printed lamp, as it signifies hope and light to brighter times. The tactile quality of papier-mâché adds depth, while the overall composition prompts contemplation on the profound societal issues at its core.
My takeaways from the "Watch Tower Plantation House Lamp" are how huge the sculpture would be. It was bigger than imagined and more sturdier than I anticipated. It goes beyond being a visual spectacle; it serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate connections between our domestic spaces and the larger world. In Polak's creation, boundaries are illuminated, and the potential for shared acts of reparation becomes palpable. It's a call to reflect, discuss, and, ultimately, act towards a more just and inclusive world.
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