Re(cognition: Octavia
Re(cognition: Octavia is my exploration of contemporary sculptural processes, utilizing 3D modeling and printing. I've incorporated various themes into this sculpture, including my fascination with digital technologies, an exploration of how neo-classical statuary has evolved in meaning over centuries, and a challenge to conventional ideas of likeness and portraiture. I aim to blur the boundaries between the virtual and physical, as well as traditional and modern sculptural practices.
Octavia E. Butler is the central subject of my work because her writings delve into the creative process and offer solutions to contemporary challenges. Her narratives are diverse, life-affirming, and address issues we face today. Beyond her exploration of race, Butler tackled gender tensions and developed strong female characters, challenging conventional gender identities – making her an inspiring and relevant subject for my sculpture.
You’ve got to make your own worlds. You’ve got to write yourself in. Whether you were part of the greater society or not, you’ve got to write yourself in. So I wrote myself in.
Octavia E. Butler
Commissioned by Austin’s Elisabet Ney Museum, Re(cognition: Octavia pays tribute to Elisabet Ney's pioneering spirit while simultaneously challenging the traditional neoclassical monumental style. This artwork introduces a compelling portrait of Octavia E. Butler, celebrated as the mother of Afrofuturism.
Positioned within the Ney Museum, Butler's interactive portrait engages in a meaningful dialogue with Ney's art, effectively underscoring the evolving cultural landscape.
Materials: resin 3D print, electronics, RFID, wood, fringe, mirrors, seeds & seed pods
Dimensions: 3ft W x 3ft L x 6ft H
Bringing interaction into the traditional museum
The interactive artwork comprises two components: Octavia E. Butler's bust and a circular stand with six Story Seeds. When a Seed is inserted into the “third eye” of the bust, it triggers a distinct audio clip. These audio clips feature recordings of Butler herself and an AI-generated soundalike reading excerpts from her stories.
The inclusion of instructions was deliberate, as the Ney Museum typically enforces a no-touch policy. Given that this artwork is an exception to the standard rules, clear permission and directions were essential to ensure a seamless and respectful interaction.
3D model
Octavia E. Butler is the central subject of my work because her writings delve into the creative process and offer solutions to contemporary challenges. Her narratives are diverse, life-affirming, and address issues we face today.
Below is the 3D model created for Re(cogntion: Octavia. You can download it free here.
Re-Imagining the Ney:
A Community Art Bash
Re(cognition: Octavia was commissioned by the museum to celebrate Elisabet Ney's groundbreaking life and art. Three Austin contemporary artists were invited to reimagine her legacy through the lens of site-specific artworks.
Attendees of the opening event had the opportunity to experience artistic interventions, theatrical performances, and museum tours led by interpretive actors spread across the museum's extensive grounds. Attendee feedback on the specific works will be used to guide future museum programming.
