DONUT HOLES
Series of 5 thermoforming plastic sculptures, 45 x 45 cm each
This series of five sculptures, crafted from transparent PET
plastic, delves into the concept of international maritime areas
known as «donut holes.» These works are suspended at eye level,
creating a visual horizon that confronts viewers with the reality of
these legally ambiguous zones. These territories, surrounded by
exclusive economic zones yet free from governance, embody a
paradox of visibility and invisibility, underscoring their dual nature
as both resource-rich and exploited spaces.
The series reflects on the ongoing territorial conflicts, international
treaties for shared governance, and the exploitation of natural
resources, highlighting the significant impact of human activities
on these areas. Some of these zones are bountiful, while others
have been depleted by overfishing and oil exploitation.
Enhancing the thematic exploration, two replicas of Polynesian
«stick charts» are displayed, offering a unique cartographic
perspective. Unlike conventional maps, these charts do not
present the ocean as an empty space but as a network of ocean
currents and water masses. This method of mapping emphasizes
the ocean as a complex, navigable territory, inviting viewers to
see the sea through a lens of interconnectedness rather than
void. This juxtaposition of traditional Polynesian navigation tools
with the modern exploration of ungoverned spaces challenges
contemporary understandings of geography and sovereignty.
