SHELF, LIGHT, FLY (2017)

In "Shelf, Light, Fly," the fly remains motionless, seemingly mesmerised by the light while the faint echo of its former buzzing serves as a subtle nod to the hum of electricity. The piece invites viewers to draw closer to the point where their retinas encounter a temporary encounter of 'flash bleaching.'

Throughout art history, the motif of light has remained a captivating theme, and this piece finds inspiration in contemporary works like Martin Creeds' provocative Turner Prize-winning piece, no. 227, and William Eggleston's evocative 'The Red Ceiling.' However, the fascination with light in art traces its roots back to ancient times, and it continues to hold significance, particularly in photography, a medium literally described as "drawing with light" in Greek.

The presence of light in the artwork symbolises life, stemming from the electricity coursing through the wires and the gentle warmth emitted by the bulb. The piece prompts contemplation about everyday objects like a light fixture and a shelf. Placed at the bottom of the shelf and suspended at a height of 190cm, these familiar items encourage further reflection on their purpose. Why do they occupy the bottom rather than the top? What becomes of a light fitting without a switch?

The artwork's unabashed light, devoid of any lampshade or ornamental covering, remains a constant source of illumination without an off switch. This concept intriguingly mirrors life's journey, which seemingly has no clear end until the bulb eventually exhausts its lifespan, approximately 15,000 hours later. The artist's deliberate inclusion of commonplace objects challenges traditional notions of art, reminiscent of Duchamp's 'readymades.'

Ultimately, 'Shelf, Light, Fly' compels viewers to ponder the very essence of art and the timeless symbolism of light as it continues to embody themes of existence and mortality.