CLAYTON BLAKE

Australian born Clayton Blake is a multidisciplinary installation artist widely recognised for his large scale works that employ various elements of architecture and sculpture. Clayton uses a diverse range of materials to create large scale, contemporary installations that challenge and excite. He constructs expansive works that respond to or reflect their environments, whilst challenging and distorting the viewer’s preconceptions of structures and space. His art practice involves creating works that are interactive, inhabitable and participatory. Clayton attempts to expand the definition of art to include new forms of social engagement. He uses his art to promote discussion, encourage debate, and raise awareness about injustice, inequality and social change.

‘SHIFA’ symbolizes a harmonious future, advocating for a two-state solution. Beyond aesthetics, it invites contemplation and dialogue. The artwork’s immersive design allows visitors to experience its ethereal presence, with translucent discs casting vibrant, shifting shadows that represent the complexities of coexistence. Each disc embodies a facet of identity, culture, and history, reflecting the delicate balance necessary for peace. While a beacon of hope, ‘SHIFA’ also mourns the destruction of Al Shifa Hospital, acknowledging pain and loss. The piece highlights the power of art to inspire change, embrace diversity, and foster a shared vision for a compassionate future.