Lorna Brown

Catastrophe (umbilical)

2014
Nylon Thread
3x2x.5”

Catastrophe (umbilical) is one of a number of studies in various materials and methods, exploring mathematical models of catastrophe theory in the study of dynamical systems. ‘Catastrophe’, a ‘reversal of what is expected’ has its origins in Greek theatre, with ‘strophe’ being a sudden turn. The chorus would cross the stage from left to right reciting one side of an argument, then turn, to recite the opposite point of view (the antistrophe). Based on images found online, the studies include ‘cusp’, ‘swallowtail’ as well this ‘umbilical’ bracelet commissioned from a craftsman on a beach in Mexico.