Helen Birnbaum
CERAMIC Transmission
My practice approaches science in a questioning way via sculpture, photography, film and sound but the starting point for most of my work is always the scarily beautiful forms of viruses and bacteria.
‘CERAMIC Transmission’ looks the transmission of disease. Electronic sound components have been integrated into sculpted ceramic forms that can be activated by touch. Through touch, the sculptures enable greater understanding and interest in theories about disease and transmission. They are also activators of emotions, which are evoked when memorable sounds are heard. These interactions represent the relationship between art and science through connections between ceramic material, sound, touch and vision.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the spreading of the disease via touch, the interaction with the sculptures now occurs via the scanning of QR codes and the playing of sounds via smart devices such as mobile phones. ‘CERAMIC Transmission’ has since been re-imagined as a commentary about a Liverpool community during the pandemic in ‘100 Hands’.
Project blog:
https://ceramictransmission.wordpress.com
Personal websites:
https://helenbirnbaumceramics.com
https://significantbunchofviruses.wordpress.com
Social media:
https://www.instagram.com/helenbirnbaumceramics