Marlene Sarroff

Castellations

Marlene Sarroff
 

A key element in the process is to be guided by the persuasiveness of the material and by freeing the “things” by dissociation, estranging them, removing them from their context with no predetermined guidelines. Marlene Sarroff

CASTLES / CASTELLATIONS : A word used when describing an architectural presence of indentation configurations. A defensive wall or other reinforcements built to strengthen the defensive or decorative parapets with regularly spaced notches ; battlements a prominent feature of castle architecture designed for PROTECTION. Castellations served as a crucial defensive element in medieval castles.

MOLDED PULP PACKAGING : is a sustainable packaging material made primarily from recycled paper or newsprint. It is a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging. The PROTECTION element of the packaging and comparing the castellated structure of a castle is extending of ideas combining the practicality of ancient and the modern. My interest in Heraldry particularly the minimalist patterns of the period is bringing these observations and thoughts together maybe seemingly absurd proposition, however letting the mind wander can sometimes culminate in interesting connections.

Working with found moulded pulp cardboard packaging. As an artist I am attracted to the various specific designs created for the purpose of protecting various products. All goods such as those that are fragile eg: glassware, tools, electrical, pharmaceuticals etc require specific designs for different products. A spontaneous intervention is defining a pattern on the moulded pulp works highlighting specific surfaces with paint. Reinventing the sculptural shapes with mark making adds an extra dimension to which could pertain to a contemporary heraldry pattern.

 

Chateau Gaillard a medieval castle ruin located in Normandy France . The castle featured a complex and advanced design for its time, incorporating early principles of concentric fortification. Built by Richard the Lion-heart, features casternations (overlapping cylindrical towers) that protrude outward from the wall the castles overall design was a masterpiece of defensive architecture.