Špela Volčič
Et Fiat Lux (2016-2017)
Špela Volčič’s photographs of artificial flowers from the series Et Fiat Lux can be understood in terms of layers of reproduction, plastic imitations are reproduced in the form of a photograph. In this series Volčič complicates the dichotomies of appearance and reality, original and copy.
When considering the artist’s process, these works are firstly sculptural. Meticulously folded and arranged, the three-dimensional bouquets of artificial flowers are the first product of this artwork. Volčič then considers the element of light; Et Fiat Lux meaning Let There Be Light, in this case creating visual deception instead of clarity. The striking contrast between light and dark in these compositions highlights the three dimensionality of the sculptural element of the work while bestowing upon it a kind of painterly expressiveness. One might even be surprised to discover that these works are photographs and not reimaginings of dramatically-lit baroque still-life paintings.
The familiarity of the form and content of these photographs is undeniably comforting and that is one of the ways in which Volčič’s work is effective in its aim; the viewer is drawn into the works at first glance and is then compelled to look at the photographs more closely to determine exactly what it is they are seeing. Only when we approach things with a critical eye can we begin to distinguish between reality and fiction, although Volčič demonstrates that these categories are not as clear as we might imagine. Volčič’s compositions, although undeniably beautiful, are not about beauty or perfection at all; instead, Volčič is calling on us to be attentive and look analytically, both at her work and at the world around us. ▪︎
Špela Volčič is is a visual artist based in Slovenia and Italy.
Here + There 