Thestra: L(h)and
2023
Thestra Rings: 5x7cm, bio resin, digital print, 3D prints, magnets
Thestra Screen Prints: 30x30cm ink, paper
Thestra Sculptures: 20x13cm, bio resin, digital print fabric, stone, lead
Table: 200x76.2cm, MDF, plaster, digital print vinyl, trestles
Thestra Map: 59.4x84.1cm
Thestra Digital Print: 132x186cm
Thestra.
Over 400 million years ago, the Iapetus Ocean separated the pieces of land that were to become Scotland and England. They did not stand alone. Both countries existed as part of a separate continent; Laurentia (Scotland, the North of Ireland, Greenland, North America), and Eastern Avalonia (England, Wales & Southern Ireland). Over time the Iapetus started to close, and the two continents collided, joining them together. This tremendous collision caused the beginnings of the formation of ‘The Southern Uplands’ which run across the South of Scotland.
Prior to this momentous joining of Scotland and England, another land also existed, drifting in the Iapetus Ocean between Laurentia and Eastern Avalonia. It was called Thestra. Sadly, this land was then lost in the collision, and disappeared somewhere beneath the hills of the Southern Uplands.
Separate from all other civilisations, Thestra prevailed alone. Completely self-sustained, it had the freedom to create and design itself free from the rigid geological rules that other continents abided by.
As the land existed prior to human life, it’s divergence could only be discovered in the unconformities of the geological make-up of the island. Disruptions in layers of rare volcanic sediment described a new genetic composition, leading to the formations of transcendental rock formations and landscapes. Four main segments of Thestra can be identified as; Rezier, Kyste, Maipen and Wunluden.
This exhibition is a ground-breaking first glimpse of this geological anomaly. Creating an archive of fragmented replica pieces of Thestra: Rezier, Kyste, Maipen and Wunluden, L(h)and attempts to re-establish a human connection to this forgotten land of non-conformity. Allowing it to be finally remembered and reimagined through the tangible touch of a human hand.
Photography: Colin Tennant and Cameron Brown
Film: Cameron Brown
Graphic Design: Katrina High
Ceramic Ring Holder: Katie Nelis
