William Lungas, 'Layers' (detail)

Press Release

When ancient manuscripts were reused many times over, the layers of inscription created became known as a palimpsest; a reconstructed record of time.

Ceramic artist Bill Lungas has taken the theory of the palimpsest and recreated it for the modern world. His work can be seen in the exhibition, Palimpsest, seen at Horus and Deloris contemporary art space from 26 April – 24 May.

The materials paper, clay, fibreglass and porcelain have been used to create cityscapes that refer to the city as the palimpsest of urban existence.

A layered effect has been used that simultaneously appears transparent, clustered and concealed. These layers represent the notion of an incompletely erased past that remains legible in the present.

“My work suggests the fragility of this changing urban space, where the bones of the city are progressively deconstructing, leaving traces, like the skeletons of prior incarnations,” says Bill.

Bill is fascinated by change and how individuals evolve and using past experience to examine the present reality.