ATOLL

Concept Note: Atoll Series

This body of work is inspired by atolls ring-shaped coral formations that develop slowly over time in the ocean. Atolls begin as coral reefs growing around volcanic islands. As the island gradually sinks beneath the water, the coral continues to grow upward, eventually forming a circular structure with a hollow center. What we see on the surface is only the final stage of a long, hidden transformation.

This idea of slow change and invisible processes strongly connects with my practice. In the Atoll series, I explore how forms can evolve quietly over time, shaped by pressure, repetition, and adaptation. The works reflect both presence and absence the solid outer ring and the open or shifting inner space suggesting something that has changed, disappeared, or been transformed.

The material I use is felt made from industrial waste. I work with both compressed and soft felt to create contrast in texture and structure. The compressed felt holds form and gives a sense of stability, while the softer felt appears more fluid and organic, almost like something growing or spreading. This combination allows the work to echo the dual nature of atolls: strong yet fragile, structured yet constantly changing.

The hanging strands and layered surfaces in the work suggest movement, erosion, and growth. They resemble underwater life forms, coral extensions, or even the slow drifting of material in the ocean. The process of making repetitive, careful, and time-consuming—mirrors the natural formation of atolls, where change happens gradually and almost invisibly.

By using waste material, the work also reflects on environmental concerns. It draws attention to cycles of consumption and transformation, asking how discarded materials can take on new life and meaning. Just as coral builds upon what is left behind, this work reuses what is often overlooked.

Ultimately, the Atoll series is about transformation that is not immediately visible. It speaks of time, memory, and resilience how structures can hold traces of what once existed, while continuing to evolve. It invites the viewer to look closely, to notice subtle changes, and to reflect on the quiet processes that shape both nature and human experience.