The Raft of the Medusa ©. Slade Research Centre, London
Initially inspired by Theodore Gericault’s epic painting, The Raft of the Medusa, these paper sculptures reference the subject of crossing water; a theme explored by artists for centuries to convey the struggle of mankind. In the background of Gericault's painting, he rendered the ‘Argus’, the ship that saved the survivors of the raft. There is no sign of the ship nor the survivors amongst the weathered paper sculptures, however salvation is implied through the presence of the light and ropes. This work explores feelings of loss and hope; it also points to the immigration crisis whereby refugees make treacherous journeys across oceans often with disastrous consequences losing their lives to the sea.