During one of the most important Art Weeks in the world, conceptual artist Isabel Englebert presents “One and Three Realms” - consisting of large-scale sculpture “Porvenir” and NFTs “Wannabe” & “Selfie” - reflecting on climate change and the relationship between man and technology. Supported by the European Cultural Center and in collaboration with the Miami Center for Architecture and Design and Florida International University, her artwork is on display in the Flagler Street Art Festival, supported by Perez Art Museum amongst others, and illuMIA, curated by Urban Impact Lab, ArtRepublic and SuperRare.
With a clear reference to Kosuth´s “One and Three Chairs”, Englebert proposes a contemporary take on the subject of representation and meaning. Just as Kosuth questions the audience about which one of the depictions of the chair is the most accurate, Englebert reflects in times of NFTs and virtuality about which one of the three pieces she presents incarnates most intensely the sculpture’s essence, the concept itself about climate change and human commitment.
Porvenir reflects on the imminent consequences of rising sea levels, and the necessary role of the human species to reach solutions, inviting viewers to act and reflect. Englebert proposes an outdoor installation, consisting of geometric plates representing the sea, sand, and a vegetation barrier, alluding to the possible solutions that could slow down the rise of the water level. In an opening event, with the participation of biophilia artist Paloma Teppa, Englebert invited spectators to contribute with their sand grain and to plant a seed in the search for solutions of this climatic problem. Just as in reality nature needs the action of humankind, Englebert's work requires the action of the audience in order to be activated.
“Why "Porvenir"? The closest translation to the English language is conceived as "future", but in Spanish the selected word conveys, not only the imaginary of something that will come, but also a feeling of hope and eagerness. This is the essence of what I want to communicate with my work. The problem of rising water levels requires a strong commitment from humankind, but there is hope that if we work together with Mother Nature, we can achieve a positive change. The work's title remains in Spanish even in its translation, to reflect and recognize the diverse and multiple Latin American inhabitants that Miami has been able to welcome, that can call Miami home.”
Isabel Englebert
The two different NFTs reflect on how technology constitutes an intrinsic part of human development, she explores machinery as an almost thinking being working together with men in communion. “Wannabe”, the first NFT, stands in a digital realm, representing a rendered image of the project of the sculpture. This piece heightens the idea of technology as a means of achieving change, as a tool for creation that exists at man’s same level. "Wannabe" was screened on Downtown Miami streets walls during illuMIA opening, and will continue to be projected every night during the whole Art Week.
“Selfie”, the second NFT, refers to a registry of the real scale artwork. In this piece, technology plays the role of a recording tool, embodying the transformation from the real world into the virtual realm. This NFT will be released after Miami Art Week is over, establishing a continuity on the narrative thread of "One and Three Realms". Once Miami Art Week ends, both NFTs will be exhibited in the Museum District, in Decentraland, the decentralized virtual reality platform, where Sotheby´s has its virtual subsidiary, and countries are starting to place their embassies.
The artist embodies in this work her geometric and abstract essence. The choice of pure and refined forms refers to her passion for abstraction, together with the use of the line and noble materials. The reminiscences of the Art Deco style take on special importance in the context in which the piece is inserted, in the heart of Miami, a location stylistically marked by this artistic movement.
