Bonfire- 2024
"the shape of triumph over ignorance"

*Physics

“Fire” is the visualization of stored energy passing through a portal of change. The flame is the reaction zone where molecules transform and reconfigure to another state of matter according to the fundamental laws of Quantum Physics. All matter is fuel and will burn given the right conditions in space and time. The act of burning is a chain reaction of excited molecules interacting with our atmosphere. The different colors are based on the type of fuel and amount of oxygen made available and by doing so produce heat and colorful lights . Together with the earth’s gravity and pressure, the shape of fire is not random and is with entropy. Its deterministic chaos we marvel upon can be mathematically determined.

 

*Anthropology

The human species’ entire evolution is primarily due to the exploitation of Fire. Since the dawn of our existence “Fire” has been our greatest ally, our survival depended fundamentally on fire. No other biological creature uses fire other than us. We have skillfully mastered its function not only for our protection but for practical needs like lighting, heating, and cooking. Every culture in every part of the world, “fire” has been mystified, celebrated, and glorified. It has inspired great minds scientifically, spiritually, and politically. It is the driving force that inspired great leaders and powerful nations. It is the firepower that built breathtaking cathedrals and the grandest of rockets. Its creative and destructive cycle are intrinsic to our culture.

 

*Climate change

As we humans thrive and take dominion over nature with our smartphones, GPS satellites and designer bags, we remain primitive, barbaric, and idiotic; and “fire” is our fiercest accomplice. Our relentless burning of fossil fuels for manufacturing energy and to satisfy our insatiable appetite of materialism is a psychotic behavior called consumerism. Our savage disregard for the environment to justify comfort, profit and power has significantly contributed to the greenhouse gases and fueled our ignorance we think is progress. Nevertheless, it is not rocket science to figure out that all the natural causes of wildfires burning in our forest are in fact due to extreme weather conditions.

 

 

 

In retrospect, the duality of “Fire” being both culprit and life giver is the never-ending paradox articulated in this sculpture using curved lines looped infinitely to form 3 sectional flames that constitutes *physics, *anthropology, *climate change. The irony of forging steel using fire is worthy of an art process, and by polishing steel to its highest level is suggestive and hopeful that humanity will reflect upon the use of “fire” wisely and to elevate awareness about our carbon footprint.  We can triumph over ignorance by considering an alternative to fireworks, omitting candles, starting cycling, stopping a bomb or by simply appreciating Art.

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...for a pius “fire” is Hell, for a builder “fire” is God, for a dreamer “fire” is Art