Wooden Wall Installation With Gilt Fretwork

This monumental wall sculpture is made from a unique collage of vintage elements. The dominant material is raw wood, in the form of carved Indian cement molds. In traditional Indian architecture -particularly the architecture of temples and haveli mansions – pre-cast cement panels were often embedded in masonry walls to add richness and detail. Once mortared in place, the walls were painted over. The effect this produces was similar to carved stone, but cheaper. The molds themselves were washed clean after use and then stored. They could be used countless times, growing smoother and softer with each scrubbing. This collection of molds was curated for balance and diversity of designs. The delicate gilt fretwork is Chinese, much of it 19th century. Chinese room dividing screens, family shrines, and beds often featured insert panels of exquisite carving. The carving usually depicted scenes of mythology, Chinese history and auspicious symbols. The deeper the wood, the more sophisticated th