2018
Selected and processed real flowers and shellack
(110 x 180 cm)
Available in bespoke dimensions
The Perishable Series
As a commentary on contemporary consumption and the ephemerality of material culture, Rusak states: “Exploring the conditions of planned obsolescence—ephemeral objects that easily fall apart but that cannot be disposed of in an ecological way—the idea of natural decay presented an interesting alternative. Rather than use non-biodegrable plastics, I developed a natural composite made of granulated flowers, cooking flour, sugar, and tree-sap resin. The resulting series of vases is a play on the archetypical form; a unified language that transcends different historical periods and that serves as a metaphor for this entire project. Instead of being an heirloom that can be passed down to the next generation, these fleeting objects have a shorter lifespan and hence, become more valuable. Depending on context and the level of care they are given, Perishable vases can last for 10 years or just a few days. As part of my exhibit at the Horta Museum, I’ve placed the same type of objects in and outside of an incubator, to show the contrasting effect of time in this regard. I don’t like the idea of contributing to the landscape of things: another light or chair. Before creating objects, I do extensive studies and record the process. The objects themselves are visualizations of larger ideas. They might disappear …”