Published 17·11·24
LONDON — A local artist by the name of “V” shared a photo of their sculpture, entitled “In case of screws…” on social media, to the great amusement of their friends. The piece is apparently due to go on auction at Sotheby's in November, though the artist has professed an urge to bid for their own piece despite Sotherby's policy preventing it.
In a Thread, V said "The convenience of disposability is prioritized over sustainability. But anything can be beautiful and last longer if we'd just make time to appreciate and care for it. I hope my next sculpture, "In case of screws..." is a reminder of that", later adding "If it goes on at Sotherby's in November, can someone stop me from bidding?"
As you can see, "In case of screws…" is no ordinary sculpture; it's a set of meticulously crafted - and entirely impractical - delicate glass screwdrivers. V's artistic statement cuts right to the heart of consumerism, questioning the disposability of everyday objects. One twist will have the tips crack and splinter, making them basically unuseable; "single-use" indeed.
These stunning six glass screwdrivers are all housed in an elegant glass case, which is a work of art in itself. The fidelity of form present in this piece is astounding; the transparent tips taper uniformly into shapely handles that look as if they'd give an easy grip. Not that you'd want to try.
V, who hails from a Tottenham neighborhood, has long been a critic of consumer culture, once admitting to future plans for an installation entitled "20th Century Trash Exhibition from a Later Timeline". They've gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what art can be, and their latest project is no exception. "In case of screws…" is a profound commentary on how easily we discard and replace the tools we use in our daily lives.
The artist's choice of glass as the primary material is symbolic. Glass is simultaneously delicate and fragile, yet with the right care, it can last for centuries. Here, V challenges us to reconsider our throwaway culture and examine the impact it has on our environment.
It remains to be seen how the art world will respond to V's creation. Some critics in the Procrastination Weekly office have already called it "another little breakthrough in the conceptual art world," while others joked that the case of tools is a bit too impractical for everyday use.
Regardless of the debates that may come to surround "In case of screws...," V's work serves as a thought-provoking reflection on our consumerist habits. In a world of mass-produced, replaceable goods, this Tottenham Hale artist has shattered the mold with a set of glass screwdrivers that are as much an artistic statement as they are anti-functional.
We may not know if V will try to bid on their own piece should the work make it to a Sotheby's auction in November, but one thing is certain: this piece should start conversations about the world, and the ecosystem we're steadily filling with trash.