Fiona Hall
Paradisus Terrestris Entitled (1996) is a bewitching suite of small metal sculptures that invites and requires active contemplation. Each sculpture is constructed from two sardine cans and Aluminium from a soft drink can; the metal unembellished but for the shine from working. One sardine can left almost intact, with its lid partially rolled down, reveals an erotic image impressed into Aluminium.
Crowning this frame is a delicate rendering of a plant from the metal of a second sardine can. The two elements are inseparable, with Hall making deliberate couplings of botany and body. Each item is individually named with the plants name in the language of an Indigenous Australian group, the Latin classification of classic Western taxonomy and the common name.