Bock

March 2021. One year.

This anthropomorphic figure is taken from a local animal form (der Wolpertinger) brought to the domestic space as an attempt to observe how family life is developing through time and events. I am interested in particular by how the pandemy has brought the use of screens to a next level for many of us: adults, teenagers and children are spending more time than ever on electronic devices. That brings me to wonder how this screen addiction will shape the future generation. What impacts does/will it have on their physical and mental development and health?

For this commemorative object, my initial plan was to work on something with my family by “playing together” and interact around clay in the hope of breaking that bad habit we have to go to our screens way too often and for way too long. It would have been great to celebrate family life since we’ve been spending a lot of time together the last year. 

The truth is, it didn’t happen as I had planned.

That’s how this little mountain goat came to life. Once he was there, I wasn’t sure what to do with him and I kept on worrying about him and wondering what he would become. He was always in my way. Until one day, I decided to give him a cell phone. The minute I gave him the phone, he stayed quiet and I haven’t heard a peep since.

See, that was too easy.

Kids on screens… What is our responsibility as adults?

This sculpture is living at my home in a nook in the hallway, near the entrance. Occupying his awkward space is a way to claim that we live here now. The cloud of hexagonal tiles above the goat was made together with my family. It is a reminder of the real world and the potential that arises when we move away from our phones, get bored and look around for things to do. In the real world.

Materials: Porcelain, clay, oxides and glazes, coton thread

Innsbruck, 2021