Becca Barolli
Industrial Evolution
2023

Industrial Evolution consists of vent screening used as a loose textile material that is tightly bound by steel wire. This relationship indicates the tight grip that industry places on organic life. It implies the threatening effects that human caused circumstances such as development, over-fishing and global warming have on the Long Island Sound and the environment in general.

Neither material involved, vent screening nor steel wire, is used for its intended purpose in this sculpture. Doing so implies the ability to change course and envision new ways of existing beyond what is currently in place. There is a desperate need to change the way humans are impacting the environment. Seeing these industrial materials inserted into nature creates a jarring presence for the piece that one may respond to in a similar manner to the presence of pollution in our bodies of water and coastlines.

The scale of the sculpture is roughly 110” tall by 5” wide. These numbers were chosen based on the 110 mile length of the Long Island Sound and the five major Connecticut cities that run along the Sound (Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven and New London).

This piece is specifically designed to be larger than human height not only to reflect the length of the Sound, but also to stand as a beacon of hope for change in the face of our present reality that is greatly impacted by human intervention. Vent screening is typically used to keep out unwanted fauna. Here it is being manipulated in such a way that creates many small, nest-like crevices that may instead be welcoming to small wildlife.

Industrial Evolution stands as a sign of resilience and opportunity for revision. While the steel wire is undeniably susceptible to the humid conditions of the environment, the material will still be able to withstand the elements as it changes over time. In this case, the viewer will note that with these circumstances it is the industrial material that is being manipulated by nature.