Ultima Thule

Our world is in flux. We are being forced into reconfiguring our borders and along with them, our identities. Ultima Thule is my way of exploring the themes around migration: the hope and the trepidation that comes with any journey that traverses known and unknown territories.

In the context of a dehumanising rhetoric around immigration I encourage empathy by means of story-telling. Each migrant is afforded varying legal statuses and privileges as well as spaces within the social and economic fabric of our communities. Exploring the humanity behind these journeys in my work, the boat is seen abandoned, deserted and empty; or elevated as on object of reverence and place of worship. The fish is an ancient symbol of faith and hope and the black bird an ominous onlooker observing the displaced.

The rejection of refugees into a country or crossing a border.

The travelling trunk lined with gold is a happier outlook, with the boat safely inside and surrounded by hope and the faith of a safe destination.

The journey planned for whenever the need is most desperate

I wanted to use this amazing piece of machinery in my work, I found it sticking out of the ground ….. waiting for me since who knows when. There is an ambiguity as to whether it represents land or sea, whichever, the journey is precarious.

Icon, 2017

silver, bone, steel rod and mesh on an oak base

95cm h x 35cm w x 85cm d

A successful journey undertaken and the boat is placed in reverence

For those who lost their lives on a journey to a better place.

This piece is inspired by Þingvellir in Iceland, a chasm created by the separation of two tectonic plates and the idea of people being stuck between countries borders.