Cornelia Parker

While studying abroad in England I discovered the amazing works of artist Cornelia Parker. I became a fan when I saw the above installation at a museum. Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View is a garden shed with contents blown up by the British army, and then organized and hung by the artist.

Frith Street Gallery describes Parker as, "fascinated with processes in the world that mimic cartoon 'deaths' - steamrollering, shooting full of holes, falling from cliffs and explosions. Through a combination of visual and verbal allusions, her work triggers cultural metaphors and personal associations which allow the viewer to witness the transformation of the most ordinary objects into something compelling and extraordinary."

Breathless - 54 brass band instruments flattened by a hydraulic compressor.

Subconscious of a Monument - Soil excavated from beneath the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Shared fate - Objects cut by the guillotine that beheaded Marie Antoinette.

Embryo Firearms - Colt 45 guns in the earliest stage of production.

I enjoy how Parker's work brings attention to ordinary objects, and she does it with great wit, mystery, and intention. Truly inspiring.