the fabric of time and space
“To increase beyond infinity is the same thing as passing to the other side: this is unquestionably a real paradox”.
Leonard Euler, Image of Objects, 1837
Passing to the other side The fabric of time and space open air studio Shinnecock Hills spacetime
62” x 62” x 76” Clay, Brick, Cement.
A project commissioned by The U.S. State Department: Art in Embassies (2016)
The Other Side, The fabric of time and space, open air studio spacetime 2016 Photograph
(left, New York; right, Eastern Indonesia Islands of Bali and Komodo
From Shinnecock Hills New York through “the” Earth: 7, 917 miles to the Indonesian Island of Bali, nearby Flores, Komodo
To the Island of Bali through Earth: 7, 917 miles.
On the other side of Earth, distance is measured by time a dozen hours; by space: east over Earth’s surface is 11,790.89 miles.
In general, my research revealed the vital importance of the link between the cultural practices of indigenous artisan weavers and wood carvers [whose] work expresses the wonders of nature and the natural world to those actively working to preserve it. flora, fauna, and marine life will be represented and pictured in my work of art.
Hope Sandrow
Read more on Art in The Embassy’s website
Indonesia is the only equatorial region in the world with an exchange of marine flora and fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans. From mountain tops to tropical rainforests to the seas surrounding Flores and Komodo, Sandrow photographed nature and the natural world represented in the Weavers palettes and patterns.
Retracing the steps of her (1998) travels for the project/installation time(space) commissioned by Independent Curator Andy Grundberg for the exhibition In Response to Place: Place Matters (2001-2006). To inform this new work of the impact of social, technological, and climate change on remote island cultures during the past seventeen years. When none enjoyed clean water, electric power, and mobility. Sandrow revisited (2016) the indigenous villages of Bali Aga (Bali), and villagers (Flores) Mangarrai Todo elder Yeremias Tunjuk. Acquiring from weavers (as in 1998) hand loomed Songke and Songkett picturing flora and fauna in their own distinct languages. And Ata Modo (Komodo): master wood carver Mr. Nuhan (1998 The Legend of Komodo select October “18”.
(Flores) Divemaster Condo Subagyo (1998 Manta Ray, Centipede, Dragons select October “20”) who had introduced Sandrow to Mr. Nuhan; this time to the underwater landscape in Komodo National Park he’s attributed for discovering, naming “Secret Garden”. A habitat for Corals (Whip Coral Ellisella ceratophyta), various Reef Fish (Anthias, Clownfish) (pictured panels 1, 2,3), and Andromeda Jellyfish (4th panel).
"There are about 200 marine lakes, or small, landlocked bodies of seawater, known to science. Of those lakes, only a handful contain jellyfish...The ecosystems that marine lakes host are fragile. Isolated but still maintaining subterranean connections to the sea, the lakes are particularly susceptible to climate change. Their waters are warmer and saltier than the open ocean, which provides a sneak peek into how oceans might fare if climate change continues at its current rate…. Jellyfish have lived in the ocean longer than any other macroscopic creature, and climate change could be to their advantage because they tend to thrive in warmer waters.”
National Geographic Rare Saltwater Lakes Filled with Jellyfish in Indonesia Feb 2018
UPDATE: Komodo National Park: A fragile ecosystem (2019) closed to tourists
Including “Secret Garden”.
Installation views, US Embassy Jakarta The fabric of time and space spacetime (top) Secret Garden November 20 2016 Sea of Flores, Komodo National Park Indonesia 8’ x 16.5’ 4 dye sublimation aluminum panels mounted on steel each 8’ x 4’; (l to r) Bali Aga Tenganan Motif Lubeng Tali Dandan Songket 68” (l) x 17” (w) 2016; Mangarrai Songke 72” x 51” 1998; Sideman Bridal Songket 60” (w) x 40” (h) 2016
Secret Garden The fabric of time and space spacetime November 20 2016 Sea of Flores, Komodo National Park Indonesia
8’ x 16.5’ 4 dye sublimation aluminum panels mounted on steel each 8’ x 4’ ; The fabric of time spacetime (l to r) Bali Aga Tenganan Motif Lubeng Tali Dandan Songket 68” (l) x 17” (w) 2016; Mangarrai Songke 72” x 51” 1998; Sideman Bridal Songket 60” (w) x 40” (h) 2016
Permanent installation US Embassy Jakarta
The fabric of time and space was created by Sandrow in response to a commission, for a permanent installation at the new US Embassy Jakarta (2018), from Art in Embassies Chief Curator Virginia L. Shore and Curator Claire D’Alba. A creative engagement that returned Sandrow to the other side of the world: the Pacific Islands and Peoples of Bali, Flores, and Komodo, and to reflect on her Southampton neighbors Shinnecock Nation (2% American population).
Following in the steps of her (1998) travels for the project/installation time/space commissioned by Independent Curator Andy Grundberg for the traveling exhibition In Response to Place: Place Matters (2001-2006).
Four vivid photographs that compose the panorama Secret Garden exhibit a phenomenon unique to this environment known as a marine lake, a landlocked body of seawater. “As soon as I was submerged, this underwater world—composed of colorful thread-like Whip Coral Ellisella ceratophyta—became the pictorial metaphor for my project, The fabric of time and space spacetime,” Sandrow explained. “I was immediately reminded of the Balinese and Mangarrai weavers at their looms and embraced this connection.” In concert with this lush underwater imagery, Sandrow’s installation features three textiles—one from her first travels and two from her more recent return—as a means to weave together her different experiences of place over time. The textiles also bring attention to the importance of these indigenous traditions. The livelihood of these weavers, a minority of the nation’s diverse population, depends on the recognition and sales of their labor-intensive work.
Jacquelyn Gleisner, excerpt from catalogue, Art in Embassies Jakarta 2020