A3e BRONZE 2016

A3E is a member of the A-series, though boasting a significantly different appearance than many of the other sculptures in this series. From the casting of the bronze to creating the patina with a blowtorch; all material aspects were handled by the artist herself. The process of creating the bronze patina is one that brings together a playful interaction between sculpture, sculpture, chemicals and heat – and requires a mastering of a working method that involves working in a very limited time frame. As the metal cools, the effect of the chemical reaction changes from green to brown to black. In Badriah’s own words: ‘It’s literally playing with fire’.

The bronze patina evokes images of archeological artifacts, containing thousands of years of history. In the various patterns and colors visible in the patina, one might discover a plentitude of microcosms – conversely, by looking at the surface of the sculpture as a whole, one might discover a terrain – reinforced by the depth and peak in the shape. Like the earth, this sculpture was forged in heat. The form turns itself inside out, much like the earth’s magmatic processes. 

Title: [A3E], Material: Bronze, Size: 36,6cm x 18cm x 8,5cm, 2016