‘Luciferase’ and ‘Time Is A Treasure’ are two collections exclusively produced by Nacho Carbonell for Galerie BSL. Each work is a unique, handmade piece. These creations with a communicative presence appeal to our imagination, sensitivity and ability to dream.
Born in 2011 and growing in 2015,‘Luciferase’is Nacho Carbonell’s first work incorporating light. ‘Luciferase’ is a set of lighting organisms which surprise the viewer by their colors, textures and demeanor. “The root of this word is ‘carrier of light’ *, explains the artist, and reflects the system used by flora and fauna living in abyss, in the total obscurity found at greatest depths of the oceans. Even more than lights, I consider these pieces like creatures which glow with light.” * Luciferase, Latin lux fero: photon-producing enzyme, present in the luminous organs of certain plants and animals.
The exterior soft, velvety materials of the ‘Luciferase’ pieces – silicone and resin sometimes mixed with sand, plaster or metal dust – resemble the skin of an unknown species. The interior diaphanous and translucent textures – epoxy resin mixed with colored pigments –take the shape of thorns, filaments and rocky surfaces.Some of them conjure up the translucent sparkle of fine stones such as amethyst, quartz or malachite, some the seductive eye of a predator from the great depths, and others the avid mouth of a carnivorous plant.
Time Is A Treasure’ is a family of zoomorphic clocks born in 2013. The starting point of this project: slices of blue agate, the interiors of which wereused by French jewelry houses to create jewelry and clocks. Nacho Carbonell chose to reinstate these neglected stones with their own right to become clocks, while remaining faithful to his approach at the junction of mineralogy and genetic manipulation. The endearing creatures of ‘Time Is A Treasure’ maintain the balance of opposites which animates any work of nature. The main part of the body is in asperousburnished bronze. The blue agate head opens onto a golden, shiningpolished mirror interior which encompasses a concealed but distinctly ticking clock.
