Daniela Szeoke
Digital Elder, 2023
Low-fire ceramic, QR code relief, spotlight, digital webpage, GIF of original artifacts, poetry
Read Artist Statement
Digital Elder centers around a 40-centimeter anthropomorphic ceramic figurine inspired by online images of ancient Valencioid objects. The testing and hand-building process, accompanied by the embossing of a custom QR code into the clay body of the work, emphasizes the fusion of tradition and contemporary technology.
Scanning the ceramic QR code directs viewers to a webpage titled “Digital Elder,” featuring animated GIFs of original artifacts and a poem contemplating the role of technology as a bridge across historical silences. These anachronistic elements prompt reflection on preserving cultural heritage amidst technological progress, underscoring the necessity of maintaining a linked digital site for ongoing accessibility. Ultimately, this sculpture transcends its physical form, embodying a multifaceted exploration of time, heritage, and the interplay between traditional and digital realms.
