The Beholder
James Tapscott
Melbourne, Australia
“The Beholder” is about looking, studying, observing, and ascribing value to an object. Nature can be observed on many scales, from microscopic details to the stars themselves. Each of these 1200 plant samples can be seen in great detail by using the natural optics of the bulb shape. The intention is to make people aware of the act of looking at and rediscovering the world around them – especially everyday observations.
Pro Tip
Take your time to explore in detail, as well as an entire field of texture – just as you would experience a natural space.
Inside the Installation
Materials: Flora samples, resin, fiber optic cable, light
- The plant samples are in a state of suspended decay; with no oxygen they maintain their form and many maintain their color, as if still alive.
- This project began in 2020 during Covid lockdowns. Samples were gathered from the artist’s garden and nearby nature reserves.
- There are two cicada skins within the artwork (somewhere!). Can you find them?
- Many of the samples are from the same plant species, just collected from different times of year.
- The resin shapes were molded from lightbulbs, creating the optics for magnification.
Artist Bio
James Tapscott
James Tapscott has evolved a multi-disciplinary practice combining natural phenomena and light to create new experiences of the familiar. His works have been installed throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States, inspiring audiences and winning awards. He is currently working on permanent installations in Melbourne, China, and the United States, and upcoming temporary works and exhibitions in the US and UK.
