Hocus Pocus
Description:
Who has never felt the attraction of the fascinating play of light and shadow of the celestial sphere on a
beautiful evening? With this as his foundation, the artist conceived his latest sculptural project. Starting
with a moulded skull with the upper teeth – the work of a master goldsmith – the artist applied two layers
of high-quality metallic paint, giving the piece an electric blue finish which conveys the brilliance and
grandeur of the firmaments. To complete the piece, he carefully selected watchmaking wheels made
of various materials and arranged these on the skull to symbolise the stars and planets traversing the
cosmos, the universe that surrounds us. For the final touch he decided to embed a piece of a watch
movement in the shape of a moon in tribute to one of the celestial bodies which served our ancestors
as primitive timekeepers, and, like skulls, to reflect on concepts such as destiny, spirituality, life and
death.
Hocus Pocus
The phrase, of uncertain origins, is used today in certain cultures when a magic trick is performed. It
is a term with a very suggestive meaning, which is used to represent the fascination and charm which
result from contemplating the universe, and, at the same time, the great number of unknowns it still
holds. To reinforce this concept the artist chose to hide a small element inside the piece, so when it is
shaken it makes a pleasant, yet somewhat enigmatic and mysterious sound which alludes to the fact
that, despite its immense attraction, for humankind the celestial vault is still a majestic stage full of
questions.
A subtle final detail serves to remind us that, at the end of the day, we are insignificant beings living on a
tiny planet in a small solar system in an infinite universe.
Technical specifications:
> Artist: Kpavio
> Name of piece: Hocus Pocus
> Year of creation: 2014
> Base material: a robust plaster cast skull, teeth fashioned and added later by a master goldsmith, and two
layers of high-quality metallic paint with an electric blue finish
> Countersunk pieces: 240 watch movement pieces
> Signature: bronze pieces Kpavio and By Rubèn engraved on the base of the skull
> Dimensions and weight: 13x18x15 cm (width, length, height) | 2,347 g
Graphic material:
1 > Hocus Pocus: front view
2 > Hocus Pocus: angled view
For further information: www.kpavio.com | [email protected]
3 > Hocus Pocus: side view