Structures of communication

Chamberlain, Ian

Abstract

Ian Chamberlains artistic practice is rooted in an exploration of architectural forms around communication and investigation, earlier works have focused on the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell bank, one of the powerful radio telescopes in the world investigating cosmic phenomena.
The Goonhilly Earth station, a radio communication and satellite communications site dealing with Lunar an deep space communications and Clee Hill Radar station now a weather station and used for air traffic control.

Whereas these structures had a national, international and galaxy wide interest he has more recently been focusing on more localised structures of communication.
Chamberlain has been developing a body of work focusing on the repetitive design and sculptural qualities of mobile phone masts. A necessary yet controversial structure to allow the ease of communication.

The Network series and Cellular etchings are a dichotomy: a celebration of the fast pace the technology and the slow pace of making with the etching process juxtaposing the quick and slow aspects of communication. His work presents a dichotomy: a celebration of technological advancement juxtaposed with the slow, labour-intensive etching process, mirroring the contrast between the instantaneous nature of communication today and the slow pace methodical approach of craftsmanship.

His etchings do more than document, they encourage a re-evaluation of how we engage with often-overlooked elements of industrial heritage and everyday architectural forms that have shaped modern society. Chamberlain transforms these functional, utilitarian objects into powerful visual metaphors, reflecting the omnipresence of modern communication networks.

They have become subjects of artistic inquiry, the poetic and interpretive nature of the work questioning a deeper reflection on the role of technology and the overlooked infrastructure in contemporary society.

• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 22, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 22, 2024
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2024
• Issue: 86 - Nov 2024
• Keywords: Drawing , Printmaking , Architecture, Communcation , technology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13535498
• Publisher URL: https://www.interaliamag.org/audiovisual/ian-chamberlain-structures-of-communication/
• Additional Information: I was invited by Interalia - online magazine, to write a commentary/visual essay on my current practice focusing on technologies of enquiry and communication.