Reflection : Absence

4’x6’
Mirrors, laser engraved
Hand-stitched with waxed thread

This project is an attempt to manufacture reflectivity through a mirror quilt as a representation of the rapidly declining Arctic ice albedo. As I carefully stitch them together, mirrors become a patchwork quilt representation of the Arctic, its memory, and the generational comfort that substantial ice coverage has historically provided humankind. Here, the mirror is also the Anthropocene and all its narcissism—of which the declining cryosphere and ice albedo can be credited.

Ice extent data dating back to NOAA’s earliest tracking in 1979 is displayed in the form of melt ponds engraved onto the surface of the reflective mirrors. This data extends through 2030 as placeholders of anticipated decline based on scientific projection. As this quilt draws attention to the declining Arctic, the viewer must consider the waning comforts Arctic sea ice once provided us.

On display in
Sol Koffler Gallery
December 2023
Part of Techlands: Grounded + Connected Exhibition

︎︎︎ field tests & alternative attachment methods