The Ring-Tailed Lemur: Exploring Sculpture as Activism

Presenter

Jyy Rose Liang

Campus

Fitchburg State University

Sponsor

Sally Moore, Department of Humanities, Fitchburg State University

Schedule

Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C5, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 1 (C1-C10) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

This creative project investigates the process and impact of creating sculptures for the purpose of activism. The related research and experimentation will result in a culminating, mixed media sculpture, spotlighting issues around environmental conservation, and in particular, the plight of the endangered ring-tailed lemur. Cultural activism can draw breath in the form of public sculptures. Sculptures have an untold capacity for giving presence and voice to momentous concerns and advocacies that are deserving of public attention. Inspired in part by works of artist-activists Patrick Cabral and Brandon Ballengée, this project looks into the history and plight of the ring-tailed lemur as background for a sculptural response to the conservation issues of the species. It integrates research with sculpture ideas and techniques to demonstrate the aptitude of sculpture as a means of meaningful expression. Materials for experimentation are dark annealed wire and Creative Paperclay. The sculpture possesses an aluminum armature, wrapped and built up with galvanized steel wire. Layers of smooth paper clay are applied onto the armature to form the lemur’s skeleton. A dark wire shell is built around the dried skeleton, resembling the lemur’s furry form. Open areas in the sculpture are employed to communicate the high risk of the species’s disappearance while the skeleton and shell are structurally reliant on each other, making a statement about the need to conserve the coexistence between lemurs and trees of their habitat. I conclude that sculpture is a powerful medium for drawing audiences and broadening the range of participants in activism.

Keywords

studio art, cultural activism, wire sculpture, mixed media

Research Area

Art and Aesthetics

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