Tortilladora - quartz - sculpture


TORTILLADORA - WHITE QUARTZ with wood and brass - sculpture FROM THE ‘PROTHESIS’ COLLECTION

by JULIO MARTÍNEZ BARNETCHE, Mexico, 2023

SIZE: H: 70 x 60 x 40 cm // H: 27.55" x 23.62" x 15.74
MATERIAL: Direct carving in white quartz from Novo Horizonte, Brazil, hand forged brass and mexican ziricote wood

STORY:
The last 500 years of humanity have been astonishing in the way technology has changed. To date, as art has increasingly separated from technical skill, we can look back with tremendous nostalgia and affection at all the technical utensils designed during this long, yet quickly passing period of life on Earth. It is not a coincidence that, as an artist, I am creating sculptures that are a blend of beautiful specimens of natural rocks; with direct carvings that evoke a blend of imaginary marine animals and some of Tesla's electrical inventions; with supports that remind of of the glorious eras of machinery crafted by highly skilled artisans.

The result of this collection gives us a set of complex sensations and takes us on a journey through the history of technology and science. At times, these art pieces transport our thoughts from the fine jewelry developed by European royalty since the 16th century to the astronomical optical instruments of the 19th century.

As a spectator, the images appear quickly, one after another, like flashes... the navigation instruments of the 17th century; visits to the most important Natural History Museums of the 18th century, with their implements and supports to preserve their treasures; and finally, the image that cannot be forgotten: the high technology of resin and bakelite from the medical revolution at the beginning of the 20th century: Medical Instruments and Prosthetics.