Elinor Sahm has created a theatrical space where nothing is as it seems and the scene is created from light and reflections seen through mirrors and glass. Sahm has an incredible way of making her work emerge as if it has been around for an eternity: objects appear to be from lost cities and environments look as though they are created from amethysts. This all adds an element of wonder which plays a large part in her work, however, the enchanting settings deal with the darker side of human nature.This installation is no different. The tower echoes that of Babylon, built from a utopian vision, it speaks of how humans and civilizations are ruined by vanity and how miscommunication can lead to decay. Also, how blinkered ambition and hubris can ultimately cause unbearable misunderstanding of a fellow human.Just as Utopias are aspirational but inherently unattainable, Wonderland: Construction is a contradiction. A wonderland is a finished ideal rather than a work in progress and utopias often turn out to be dystopias when the destination is reached. There is always a disconnect between the idea and reality.
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