Dec 15th 2001

Navjot Altaf's sculpture, 'Dec 15th' presents a striking figure in a vibrant, uniform red, a choice that immediately captures your attention. The piece embodies the process of artmaking through its tactile and visually arresting qualities. I'm drawn to the smoothness of the surface, and that monochrome red. This colour lends a sense of unity to the form, but it also makes me think about the physical properties of the resin itself: its coolness, and the way it holds and reflects light. The figure seems to be caught in a moment of intense focus, her posture both self-contained and reaching outward. Take a look at how her hands meet her face – it's like she's creating a frame for her own vision. The tire at the base provides a literal foundation, but also hints at movement and cycles, adding another layer of meaning to the piece. This reminds me of work by Kiki Smith, with her own way of using the body to explore complex ideas about vulnerability, and the self. It's a conversation across time, this art thing of ours, with ambiguity always embraced.