The Insignificant Triptych |
In 2017, I made the triptych, "Insignificant", specifically for a show of miniature art at
D. Thomas Fine Miniatures. The show was called Wee#Resist. I made three pieces in a series -- another term for this arrangement would be a more generalized type of triptych; that is, a series having three related parts, not parts that are physically hinged together. Each piece stands or hangs alone but they do work in concert to express what is so troubling to me right now, going on around me, in our beautiful world.
When I began this series, I wanted to do one piece about climate change, one about women's reproductive rights, and one about immigration and refugees. I could have made a few more, but I knew that I would need more than 3 months (my lead time), so I whittled down my immediate areas of outrage, worry and concern to these three areas.
I used the title "Insignificant" because on each piece I used a quote which is usually attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: "Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it. "Insignificant" also alludes to these sculptures' small scale --- a push-back to the larger world's trifling of that which is small in stature.
This Gandhi quote is one that I have printed up on a box of glass in my studio; a quote that I have used in at least one other sculpture; and a quote that I have often gone to for guidance. It is easy to sink into despair and these words give me respite and a point of focus. I decided to use this quote on all three pieces as a way of connecting them and the issues and also because effecting change can seem so overwhelming. I studied the quote a bit and I was jazzed when I realized that by singling out the word "Insignificant" I could also be talking about a negative characterization of the world of the miniature --- how the small and the tiny are so often seen as inconsequential. When I realized this, I knew then, that I had the metaphorical hinges to link my triptych.
The Gandhi quote is located on each piece on a rounded shiny shape, rather on the outskirts. In #1 it is atop the arc; in #2 it is around the lamp shade; in #3, it is around the half-sphere that projects from the piece like an atmospheric orb. I wanted the quote to be somewhere involving light or guidance.
"Insignificant: I) The World is Flat" glass mosaic on wood with photos, text, ruler and a rose quartz marble 6" long x 14.25" high x 7.5" deep ©Diana Maria Rossi 2017
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"Insignificant: II) No Body's Hostess" glass mosaic on wood (and cutting board) with text, drawings, reproductions of lithograph collages, hangars, jigsaw blades, copper wire and cupcakes 12.5" long x 10" high x 5.5" deep ©Diana Maria Rossi 2017-2019
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"Insignificant : III) Seven Continental Patterns Wash Away the Fear (of the Other)" glass mosaic on wood with ceramic, text, photos, hinges and lightbulb 7.5" long x 15.75" high x 11" deep ©Diana Maria Rossi 2017
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