Sediment, Norval Foundation 2023

This photographic installation consists of 11 large scale prints that make up an image that was taken by Berni Searle at UCT’s Jagger library after the devastating fire that damaged a huge part of the African collection.  

These large panels which filled the triple volume space of the Atrium at the Norval Foundation, were placed in two rows, allowing viewers to walk in between the work.  

Suspended from the ceiling, these photographic panels moved as viewers walked by, creating a dynamic interplay between viewers and the work.  

A huge stack of paper was placed in front of the photographic panels. Coal dust was sprinkled on the top of the paper and a small rock was centrally placed on the stack of paper.  

During the course of the exhibition the rock was picked up, and used to make marks in the dusted coal and then placed back, adding an interactive element to the work.