Artwork

Water and Time

2017 Competition entry

Detail
Tags

Xhobani Matshaya

Details:

Cement sculpture
25 kg
Description:
This piece explores the chemical reaction that water and time have on both cement and the human psyche - as different as these two subjects may appear to be, one being a building material, the other relating to the human mind and its effects on the physical body. Yet both share similarities that connect one to the other, traits such as gaining strength over time.

When cement is submerged or exposed to water over a period of time, one would think it would leave the cement weaker and more fragile, but in reality it makes the concrete stronger and more resistant to internal and external forces. The same applies to the human psyche. When a person is overcome by emotion, at first glance not expressing that emotion is seen as strong, but in reality those who express and confront these emotions are left feeling better than they did when they when they were harbouring these negative emotions, leaving them stronger and more resilient than they were before.

Initially crying may be associated with being a weakness, but in reality it takes more strength and courage to let go and deal with your emotions. In turn you are left feeling better and stronger than before, as if a weight has been lifted off one's shoulders. Water and Time have the same effect on cement as it does on the human psyche.

Concrete

Detail
Tags

Xhobani Matshaya

Details:

Cement sculpture
25 kg

Description:
This piece explores the chemical reaction that water and time have on both cement and the human psyche - as different as these two subjects may appear to be, one being a building material, the other relating to the human mind and its effects on the physical body. Yet both share similarities that connect one to the other, traits such as gaining strength over time.

When cement is submerged or exposed to water over a period of time, one would think it would leave the cement weaker and more fragile, but in reality it makes the concrete stronger and more resistant to internal and external forces. The same applies to the human psyche. When a person is overcome by emotion, at first glance not expressing that emotion is seen as strong, but in reality those who express and confront these emotions are left feeling better than they did when they when they were harbouring these negative emotions, leaving them stronger and more resilient than they were before.

Initially crying may be associated with being a weakness, but in reality it takes more strength and courage to let go and deal with your emotions. In turn you are left feeling better and stronger than before, as if a weight has been lifted off one's shoulders. Water and Time have the same effect on cement as it does on the human psyche.

Concrete