Claude’s Mirror Cracked

Within Claude’s Mirror Cracked, Karen explores the historical and mystical element of black mirrors. Traditionally used for scrying, black mirrors have been used throughout history; from the mystical to moon viewing, to the technological and aesthetic, such as by landscape painter Claude Lorrain.

Cracked and broken mirrors, in Western myths, have been seen as events foretelling bad luck. In contrast, in Japanese mythology, the repair of broken objects has traditionally signalled good fortune. Karen aims to bring great fortune by carving cracks and then repairing them with 24 carat gold leaf.

'in the mirror I see myself there where I am not, in a unreal, virtual space that opens up behind the surface.' Foucault, Of Other Spaces: Utopias and Heterotopias.

Cast black glass, 24 carat gold leaf

H69 x W48 x D4cm