To Water Is to Be Nanno Simonis
(2023)

130 x 65 x 65 cm Distilled Water, Glass, Aluminium, Centrifugal Pump, Electronics, PVC Rubber None Photo: Aad Hoogendoorn

Water, at its core, embodies a remarkable duality of contrasting states. It can simultaneously exhibit forcefulness and delicacy, hostility and tranquillity. This exquisite interplay of fluid characteristics comes vividly in Nanno Simonis's sculpture, encapsulated in the captivating piece To Water Is to Be (2023). Here, the water within the artwork gracefully transcends the constraints of the glass enclosure, elegantly manifesting its dynamic nature.

In essence, the explosive artwork can encourage reflection on the interconnectedness of water, nature, and climate. By highlighting water's dualism, it invites viewers to contemplate the fragile balance of our ecosystems and the urgency of addressing climate change to maintain that balance. But the work also has a satiric presence, an organised, boxed flood, perfectly under control. Or not?

Commissioned by Z33, House for Contemporary Art, Design & Architecture
Supported by Amarte Fonds

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