Obelisk VII : Ember Stratum

The Story of Obelisk VII : Ember Stratum

In the seventh instalment of the Obelisk series, “Ember Stratum” stands as a testament to the interplay between primordial darkness and latent illumination. This monolithic piece, rendered in deep textured blacks that evoke the impenetrable core of ancient stone or the void of cosmic night, is bisected by a radiant horizontal vein of smouldering gold. The central stratum pulses with organic, waving lines – reminiscent of molten lava flows frozen in time, or the intricate root systems of buried treasures unearthed from geological depths. These golden threads, layered with subtle copper tones and metallic sheens, suggest not just a hidden fire but a narrative of resilience: embers that refuse to extinguish amid encroaching shadows.

The piece’s vertical orientation reinforces the obelisk motif, symbolising enduring structures that pierce the heavens while guarding secrets below. Through impasto-like techniques, the surface gains a sculptural dimension, inviting viewers to imagine running their fingers over the rugged black expanses and shimmering raised gold – and ask themselves the question, “What is lying dormant, waiting for a spark?” “Ember Stratum” thus becomes a meditation on the delicate balance between oblivion and awakening, darkness and dawn, making it a captivating addition to any collection that explores the mysteries of form and light.