Floating Balloon c. 1826

Editor: This is "Floating Balloon," a sculpture made around 1826, by A. Scheerboom. It's made of found objects, and... well, it looks deflated. It’s this humble, crumpled thing. What can we unpack from its materiality? Curator: Precisely. Let’s consider the social context: In 1826, the allure of hot air balloons was immense – symbols of progress, science, and daring human ambition. Scheerboom gives us a fallen icon. The ‘found object’ aspect is also key; what was discarded? What material was originally conceived for flight, but is now earthbound and collapsed? This directs us towards considering obsolescence. Editor: So it’s less about the ideal of flight, and more about the labor and materials that went into something temporary? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the hands that crafted the balloon, filled it, and then... what? This piece brings into question the economic disparity in those times. Someone experiences a symbol of wealth as fleeting entertainment. Someone else is left with the detritus of discarded ambition and has to process that into sculpture. The "making" transforms what was simply *used up* to something thought-provoking. How does the label of 'art' recontextualize its meaning for us? Editor: That’s fascinating. I initially just saw a sad balloon, but considering the process, labor, and economic context, it's charged with so much more. Thanks for offering me a peek! Curator: And thanks to you for reminding me that even in obsolescence, value can be created through observation and artful use.