Tavares Strachen

The Distance Between What We Have and What We Want (2006)

 Strachen's work has recurring themes of invisibility, displacement (physical & metaphorical) and the idea that both people and matter have a capacity to endure harsh climates and landscapes. He has been using the material of ice and the theme of travel in his work for many years. The above piece consisted of a 4.5 ton block of ice which was harvested from Mount McKinley in Alaska. It was shipped by Federal Express to the contrasting climate of the Bahamas where Strachen originates. It was exhibited in a transparent solar powered freezer at a primary school in Nassau. The layers of fresh and compacted snow and the clear ice formed below bring its original setting to life. The contrasts of environment from its origin and placed within a hot climate is surreal. I wonder how long it would have taken for it to melt??
​My question is did he return the block of ice??? Or was it left to melt in another place??? By returning it back to the sea in Nassau this would 'return' it to the place it was taken from in a round about way!
​If I am to go forward with the showing of ice as a material I have many challenges as regards logistics. How will I transport ice forms to the college? How will I replenish these forms throughout the length of the exhibition, where and how will I collect the melt water???  The transportation by courier is an interesting exercise and something I may need to look into if I am to exhibit ice sculpture!
http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/12/21/marina-abramovic-seven-artists-make-art-ice/ (accessed 28/217)