Charles Avery has devoted himself to an unparalleled project of constructing a world, through his depiction of a make-believe island. “The Islanders” presents a meticulous portrayal of the inhabitants, landscape, and civilization of this fictional island, conveyed through extensive drawings, writings, objects, architecture, and design.
Throughout the course of this twenty-year undertaking, Avery has precisely calibrated his imaginary world around the focal point of “The Island” – the hub of his created universe, amidst a multitude of other constituents in the form of an archipelago. The entrance to this island is the town of Onomatopoeia, a city with a rich texture, exhibiting the characteristics of an ever-evolving urban landscape. Originally serving as a launching pad for pioneering settlers, this town underwent a rapid metamorphosis, transitioning from a colonial outpost to a booming metropolis, bustling with life and prosperity, then succumbing to the depths of a depression-stricken slum, before finally rejuvenating itself as a hub of cultural and tourist attraction. The culture and fabric of the Island, continuously shaped by Avery, are further illuminated with each of his subsequent works.
The essence of Avery’s imaginary Island is deeply intertwined with the disciplines and concepts of mathematics, philosophy, economics, and anthropology, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of literary and comedic sources. Key elements from his drawings are masterfully brought to life in the form of his sculptures and installations. Embedded within many of his works is the central motif of the horizon line, a continuum that holds a magnetic allure for the Islanders. To them, it represents a paradox – something tangible yet made up of nothing – drawing them towards an intangible enigma. As Avery himself puts it, the Island is “both a playground for the imagination and a sincere attempt to align the viewer’s experience with that of the artist.”
www.ftn-books.com has several Avery publications now available.
This was a great reminder for me. Thanks for posting.
Very relevant and timely content. Appreciate you sharing this.