Exploring the illusion of separation
TAO TE CHING
by Lao Tsu
TAO TE CHING
by Lao Tsu
Introducing One
One is a collaboration of sculpture, light and sound. The work explores the illusion of separation. “In an ever ‘connected’ world we find more and more people experiencing loneliness and feelings of isolation.
The first part explores the sensation of being surrounded by people and still feeling alone, while at the same time offering a perspective shift to realise that everything is interconnected and that we all participate in the creation of our experience,” explained Glenn.
Explained
The 108
You enter a hall filled with 108 lifesize figures, captured in a moment, in swirling forms created from wire. In this space time is absent, each form is a vortex of potential.
From the chest of each figure rises a filament, up through their spines and out through the tops of the heads up to the ceiling, where they all gather in a network of roots all making their way to a veil at the other side of the section. A pulsing light begins in the chests of each figure and travels all the way from the chest up through the head and all the way through the network above. You choose a path that leads you to a clearing at the centre of the hall. Why 108? In many cultures 108 is a sacred number.
According to the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci, who was born around A.D. 1170 and after whom the Fibonacci sequence is (nick)named, it is believed that the number 108 has a way of representing the wholeness of existence. This subject will be explored more throughout the installation.
The Elephant in the Room
At the centre of the crowd is an elephant that seems to be shifting between alternate realities. As though appearing in from nowhere the elephant has 6 figures all grasping at various parts of the giant as it morphs into this realm. This embodies the parable of the six blind men and the elephant.
Each of them tries to describe the creature based on the experience they have with the particular part they are inspecting. The one with the trunk declared it is like a snake, and the one with the tusk thinks it is like a spear. The one with an ear declared it was like a giant fan while the one with a leg said it was like a tree.
This is a very old fable and has been adapted and elaborated on over the centuries. It can be thought of as the elephant being the ‘truth’ and all organised religions are the blind men declaring that they alone ‘know’ what that truth is and that all others have it wrong. Rejoining the path you will come to the veil.
The Woods
As your journey continues to the third and final phase, you will be offered a perspective shift away from loneliness toward connectedness.
You find yourself in a small forest of tree sculptures, these have been created through a series of community engagement workshops working with minority groups that ordinarily would not have access to culture events. When you change your perspective you realise that embedded in the scene is a hidden message…..
About
Glenn Gibson
About the artist
Self taught , professional Irish artist and teacher of wire sculpture. Glenn Gibson's work, spanning two decades, explores themes of mysticism, consciousness and the natural world. For the last six years Glenn has been the Creative Director for Art in Mind, Galway’s artist led non-profit organisation that is dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing through creative practice. Now Glenn is launching One, an immersive sculpture installation engaging all senses which will launch in September 2024.
What started as a hobby became a vital therapeutic tool to combat life's more difficult times. Combined with a meditation practice Glenn discovered that this focused activity began to untie all the knots in his mind, giving clear and calm periods where creativity poured from him. “It was the only time in my day where the chatter of my brain would abate, my stress and anxiety would fade and time dilate. I had accidentally stepped into a flow state, and have been fascinated with it ever since,” said Glenn.
Sri Anandamayi Ma
Join the "108"
The 108 Patron Package
Welcome to The 108, this is the core support network funding the One project. Thank you for your generosity and we look forward to sharing the journey with you.
Your funding will not only support the production of a sculpture installation exploring the illusion of separation, it will also allow myself and a team of artists to host workshops with a focus on community integration and engagement.
Bringing the benefits of a creative practice to all ages and cultural backgrounds. As a token of appreciation for your generous support, we have put together the following Patron Package.
● VIP access to behind-the-scenes footage and advance notice of all associated events, including the VIP opening reception with some very special guests. (Patron +1).
● Personalised tour of the completed installation guided by the artist, Glenn Gibson, with the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the creative process behind the work.
● An original sculpture by Glenn Gibson inspired by the themes of the "One" project
● The opportunity to be recognized as a patron on the "One" website and in marketing materials.
● The satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an important cause and making a positive impact.
Donate to the 108
If you would like to support the project but do not want to go for the 108 membership you can donate any amount you like.
Your support is key in our being able to deliver more workshops for youth groups, displaced communities and other community groups often overlooked in cultural programming, sharing our connections and working together. Your contribution will be recognised on the gratitude page.
Thank you for your support.
Address
Unit 4, Kilkerrin Park 3,
Liosban, Galway,
Co. Galway.