atu Ram: [How and Where] are we growing? Governors Island, 2023

approx. 10’ X 8’ X 8’

Mixed media, featuring wood reclaimed from the Fort Jay renovation, and time.

Inspired by TAAC’s exploration, “Island to Island”

an evolving out-door sculpture,
in collaboration with El Taller
and the Taiwanese American Arts Council

Curated by: j maya luz

Beginning:

In March 2023 as a contemplation on how to use plants within a sculptural form

middle

A form was created to imply an Egyptian Ankh as a way for the artist to contain meanings for life, harmony and change

current

The form has been continually refined, from July - Sept. The final up-coming phase will be left for the surprises of growth and nature

This piece is a mediation that posits a trinity of questions for viewers to hold; questions that are placed in material, existential and spiritual spheres. How are we growing from one Island to the next? The journey from seed to form? From season to season, and change to change? Ram has created a sculpture that frames a conceptual correspondence between the journey of plants and individual, or communal growth.

What do seeds need to thrive? What do we need to thrive?

Another important element of this piece has been the time spent on Governors Island that has provided the space for the artist to respond organically to each step, and each change, that occurred within the creative process. It became a process that reinforced the conceptual framework: how and where we live shapes our potential for growth on the individual as well as the collective level.

Ram’s work encourages contemplation and celebrates the joy of beauty.