Abstract

Modus Operandi is an attempt to conceptualize and materialize the intriguing difference between owning an object and owning your own identity. To be mirrored by a physical object, something with a tangible presence, when your identity feels slippery and volatile. The work is approached by mixing contemporary and historical symbols and ornaments to convey a sense of how our heritage affects the present and the eclectic mix that constitutes a human being.

This project is based on the creation of a modular system for making a candlestick, which will tell your personal history – both past, present and future. A modular object as an invitation to introspection. A domestic candlestick to mirror yourself, in your own home, to create a link between your inner self and the rest of the world. Traditional materials, such as bronze and brass are used to make the candlestick. Beyond this contemporary or somehow misplaced symbols and techniques are incorporated, in order to create tension between tradition and contemporary identity markers. Fueled by the inspiration from the alchemical holistic view of the world and using symbols one can view the candlestick as one’s own spiritual alchemical lab to conduct the Magnum opus.