THE RESERVOIR

Petra Dalström (SE)

25 May – 1 July 2023

A reservoir is a place where a liquid substance is stored until it transitions to a different state. A reservoir is controlled suspense, a dammed-up body of water, yearning for release.

In this exhibition, the viewer encounters a series of installations that either are or have been part of a circuit. Over the course of the exhibition period, the water in a container evaporates, and a mountain of kaolin gradually emerges. A tall, thin candle burns down, while a copper instrument measures an uncertain unit of time. Water drops are collected until they suddenly cause a small seesaw to activate the sound of a bell. 

The Reservoir is an exhibition that focuses on the container as a potential source of movement and examines materials in transformation. The exhibits are all results of experiments, many of them striking a delicate balance between control and collapse.

Petra Dalström (b. 1987) explores how materials are affected by basic phenomena, such as gravity and time. Her works revolve around observations of the sensuous and physical qualities of materials. She often incorporates low-tech methods, such as thermodynamics, capillary forces or surface tension, to generate movement or development in her works of art.

Dalström trained as a ceramic designer at the Royal Danish Academy – Design, Bornholm, and mainly works in Denmark and Norway. She has presented at a number of exhibitions, including Mindcraft18 (IT), Crafted Matter (KR), Tag Team Studio (NO), Norwegian Sculptors Society (NO) and Kunstnernes Efterårsudstilling (The Artists’s Autumn Exhibition) (DK). The exhibition at Peach Corner is Dalström’s first established solo exhibition in Denmark.

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