Alexis Arnold has transformed ‘junk’ into timeless artworks.
book, Borax crystals, 10 x 8.5 x 9.75 inches, 2014
The content inside, simply vanishes when artist Alexis Arnold freezes old copies of magazines, worn phone books, Holy Bibles, and classic hardcovers into crystallized sculptures. She strips them of their content leaving only an aesthetic object. She explores the visual display of time, memory and natural history through her transformation of materials and objects. This isn’t the first time Arnold has used a Borax Solution to create crystallised objects. But it is her largest collection.
The biggest piece of inspiration from this series (I’d imagine) would be the change in reading. While e-books are taking over bookstores all around the world, it is cool to see old pieces being turned into a work of art. Each piece has a little bit of personality added to it as text is caught in mid-movement. The books rolled over and crumpled up then dipped into a Borax solution that decorates them with crystals.
Her meaning behind this series is sort of an anecdote of what is happening in this world and the book scene. “The books, frozen with crystal growth, have become artifacts or geologic specimens imbued with the history of time, use, and nostalgia.” [via Alexis Arnold]
The works are really interesting in the way they appear. It almost looks like they are small sculptures of books, due to the Borax crystals. It’s a really impressive art form. Flick through a few below or head over to her portfolio for a further look at the crystallised sculptures.
Hopefully you’re still digging these posts. We’re working on an interview at the moment so keep in touch!