Lost Tablets

BACKGROUND: This research investigates the language between art and architecture. The resulting artworks can be contextualised within the work of contemporary arts practitioners who traverse the fields of visual arts, architecture and design. They join the works of Australian artists such as Justin Trendall and David Umemoto who reference the language of architecture in their visual art. The practice similarly references the debates represented in the writing and works of Sean Griffiths and Adam Nathaniel Furman as cross disciplinary architects, artists and academics, examining the intersections of architecture, design and art. CONTRIBUTION: Lost Tablets is a series of sculptures which express a tension between a universally recognisable children’s toy and the grammar of architectural symbols. Made from reconfigured Lego, each Lost Tablet (24x20x3cm) is named after a ghost ship or lost satellite. They join the work of practitioners pushing for a more inclusive architectural meaning in response to popular culture. SIGNIFICANCE: Lost Tablets have been exhibited widely since 2020. ‘Ryou-Un-Maru’ was selected for the McClelland National Small Sculpture Prize 2020 and received a Special Mention for the AA Prize for Unbuilt Work 2021. In 2021, the Lost Tablets were shown at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale – Italian Virtual Pavilion. They were also exhibited at Charles Nodrum Gallery, Sarah Scout Presents and Neon Parc. They were featured on broadcast television The Project, Channel 10, and reviewed in The Age by Karl Quinn as well as a radio interview on ABC Perth. In 2022, van Schaik discussed the works as a panellist in ‘Developments in Web3 for the Creative Industries’ for the Australia Council for the Arts. The works also featured in the Research Report for the Council by Ellie Rennie and Indigo Holcombe-James. Van Schaik released a book by Uro Publications (which he edited) in 2022. Lost Tablets will continue to be shown throughout 2023.