Inflate / deflate consists of eleven inflatable letters created from stitched Oxford
fabric. Solar panels trickle charge leisure batteries which power electric fans
to inflate the sculpture. The frequency and
duration of the inflation and deflation of the work is dependent on the amount
of sunlight available each day. When the batteries are fully charged they
drive the fans to inflate the work, however, the work collapses when the charge
is lost or insufficient. The work is often encountered in its collapsed
state and only fleetingly experienced when fully inflated. As a consequence
of this the work and its technologies may be perceived
as lacking, failing and under performing.
The perceived flaws and failings, as embodied
by the sculptures floppiness, may act as a catalyst for discussion and reflection on ideas
about failure, success and problem solving, and possibly provoke many
more questions than if the work was constantly inflated. The works
material realisation is also problematic as it is made out of several metres of
vinyl material, manufactured and shipped to the UK from Hong Kong. As such the use of plastic embodies and performs many of the problems associated with unsustainable
living. This may act as a further provocation to discussions about
what should and what should not be considered as sustainable.
