By combining fragmentary elements from the past with a futuristic imagery, a fascinating cyborg-sculpture came into being. Nick Ervinck incorporates past, present and future in this sculpture. At the same time, the work can be placed in an ancient sculptural tradition because of the similarities with the classical portrait bust. With its majestic posture, impressive armour and piercing gaze, LAPIRSUB towers over the visitor as a heroic god statue from the future.
The surreal image entails a certain mythical power by referring to knights, science fiction and manga figures. While designing the sculpture, Nick Ervinck was inspired by robots, aliens, monsters and mysterious creatures that were created by artists like H. R. Giger, creatures that play the leading role in many science fiction movies in the struggle for dominion over the earth. On the other hand, the geometric yet monumental visual language refers to the traditional helmets, jewellery and images from ancient cultures, such as the masks and sculptures from the Inca and Mayan culture.
An interesting sculptural story is also created because of the oppositions organic – mechanical, rust – shiny, rough – smooth. LAPIRSUB consists of a mutated, mechanical skeleton that is held together by rusty, steel veins, which are protected by a shiny yellow armour. The contrast between the rust-coloured metal and the and the shiny appearance of the harness adds an extra dimension to the work. The hair of the sculpture is also designed in the same metal-like structure, while the visual references to hair styles from different cultures such as dreadlocks are also easily recognizable.
Next to the poetic design language, there is also a critical social dimension inherent in this sculpture. With artificial intelligence now being ubiquitous, the work reflects on the growing integration of technology in our society – and in our bodies. This evolution offers endless possibilities and solutions for the future. Revolutionary technologies and artificial intelligence could potentially solve important problems in our society, such as climate change, poverty or even mortality. At the same time, this search for a modified ‘super human’ cannot remain without consequences.