





allegory of plastic
Plagate
1
#
Plagate (plastic agate), silver, aluminium, coloured agate beads
Materials
necklace, earrings
Classification
2021
Year of creation
The circle, square, and triangle have played significant roles in human history, often intertwined with power dynamics and religious symbolism. These fundamental shapes have been used to convey and reinforce certain ideologies, hierarchies, and beliefs throughout different cultures and periods of history.
The Circle: The circle, with its continuous and infinite nature, has been associated with concepts of unity, wholeness, and eternity. In various religious and spiritual traditions, circles symbolize the divine, cosmic order, and the cyclical nature of life. They have been used in sacred architecture, such as circular temples or mandalas, representing the centering of energy and the connection between the spiritual and physical realms. The circular shape has also been employed in insignias and emblems of power, signifying the eternal authority and divine rulership of kings, emperors, and religious leaders.
The Square: The square, characterized by its stability, balance, and order, has been linked to concepts of structure, organization, and control. In architecture, squares and rectangular shapes have been used to construct monumental structures and civic spaces, reflecting ideas of societal order and stability. Symbolically, the square has been associated with foundational principles, laws, and ethical codes. The concept of a "square deal" or fairness, for instance, emphasizes equality and justice in governance. In the context of power, the square has also been used as a symbol of authority, with palaces, governmental buildings, and fortified walls often adopting square or rectangular forms to assert control and authority.
The Triangle: The triangle, with its three sides and points, has been imbued with a range of meanings throughout history. In religious and spiritual contexts, triangles have represented various trinities, such as the Holy Trinity in Christianity or the threefold nature of the divine in Hinduism. Triangles have also been associated with stability and strength, as seen in the use of triangular structures in architecture, such as pyramids or trusses. Moreover, the triangle has been used in power dynamics to symbolize hierarchy and dominance, with the apex representing those in positions of authority and the base representing the masses or subordinate groups.
It is important to note that the interpretations and associations of these shapes vary across cultures and contexts. While power and religion have intersected with the circle, square, and triangle in significant ways, their meanings and symbolism are multifaceted and can evolve over time.
By using these shapes, I am making a connection between the visual language, to communicate power structures, religious beliefs, and societal norms and my future stone called Plastone.