Volcanic Bloom explores imaginative minerals in strange environments and possible futures.
Ari Athans plays with concepts of physical variables such as atmospheric conditions, planet core composition, temperature, sun exposure, gravity, mineral composition, rotational energy, magnetic field and radiation.
“I like to imagine worlds where there might be acid yellow sulphuric seas’, she says. ‘Many of these forms are an expression of alien environments creating plant mineral hybrids. Abstract forms push in and out of order and chaos, as occurs in mineral habits and their habitats.’
Colour is a strong component of these works as the artist is inspired by faceted gemstones. Volcanos bring up magnificent plumes and magma from the centre of a planet. ‘What this magma is and what might crytalsize from it’s molten state is where I am interested in going’.
Athans paints on mild steel. The surface is treated like a geological substrata map. Layers are built up to be stripped back through physical and chemical means. The rust representing the passing of time within a geological framework.
Image: Tectonic Bud (2016)
