At the end of the 4th millemium, written language developed in the region of southern Mesopotamia ( Uruk, Iraq ). First as pictographs and then evolving into abstract forms called cuneiform. The pictographs, like the ones in this tablet, are called proto-cuneiform and were drawn in the clay with a pointed implement. Cuneiform (meaning wedge shaped) script was written by pressing a reed pen or stylus into the tablet. When hardened it was fired and the records on it became permanent. In most cases these tablets were designed to be hand held and easily carried.

This is part of the thinking around this project, where for example each artist often resists the idea of making a ‘picture’, and instead employ processes that are more aligned with object making or sculpture.

The works in the show cast a written note, an impression, and time into forms that speak of experiences, material, geography and fragility. In some sense they suggest, aesthetics aside, that as art making goes, we haven’t come that far.

Martin Poppelwell, 2025.

Please join us for the opening Friday, September 5th, 5-7pm.

To request a preview catalogue please email hello@thisisspace.co.nz