Burning down the house

Year: 2019

Material: Found books, timber floor section

Dimensions (W/H/D): 4m x 2.3 x 2.5

Burning Down the House was a result of Nelson Arts Festival artist in residence. The location was adjacent to the annual book fair held at Founders Heritage Park, and there were large numbers of books being rejected and skipped. I used these books to build a derelict pioneers cottage footprint.

During the build process It dawned on me I could in fact light the fire in the fireplace I was constructing, and how that might be a transgressive notion, the burning of books.

I followed thru with the idea and we lit the fire on Bealtaine eve 1st November. It burnt alot faster than I anticipated, but we kept it largely intact. The remains are on view at Hidden Sculpture Garden.