A Variable Aphorism

2018 | Glazed texts on ceramics | 200 cm x 70 cm
 

A Variable Aphorism consists of consists of 45 handmade ceramic tiles that each contain a single word. Together they form a so called aphorism, one or more sentences that state a general truth or principle: In this case however it is a truth that contradicts itself; a strategy to deal with one noisy neighbour means accepting another noisy neighbour.
This contradiction also becomes clear in the way it is presented. Although A Variable Aphorism contains a determined statement, its means of presentation is anything but determined. It consists of tiles that each only contain a single word. Therefor it's theoretically possible to change their order and create completely different sentences with very different or even opposite meanings. Thereby showing the interchangeable and fluid nature of the aphorism and maybe of aphorisms as a whole. A reminderhow inadequate, yet deceiving language can be when it comes to conveying our ideas.

Produced at Le Maupas AIR, France

Special thanks to Pieter Kemink & Dok van Winsen