Nina Stevenson - The Rule of Law (under attack)

Artwork Description:

Each of the three pieces were made using the lost wax technique. The first step is to create the positive (in monster clay or, in the case of the gavel, using a wooden gavel) and then make a silicon mould from the sculptures. Hot wax is then set inside the mould, demoulded when cool and a plaster-silica cast wrapped around it with a spout to funnel the glass though. The wax is then steamed out of the plaster-silica mould. The mould is then placed in the kiln and Blackwoods casting crystal fed into the funnel through a flower pot. Once the firing is complete I break open the mould and cold work the glass to finish.

Artist Statement:

The Rule of Law is the bedrock of law and order and the foundation of justice and peace. Its core principles - equality under the law, accountability before the law and fairness in the protection and vindication of rights - require conscious safeguards to ensure adherence.

With growing societal polarisation the Rule of Law is being tested in Court. Glass reflects this fragility, but its strength in intended to offer hope.

My three glass pieces comprising the triptych are iconic representations of law and justice - advocacy, enforcement and judgment. The interplay between the translucent barrister’s wig (signifying the neutral detached advocate), the pink gavel and blue handcuffs serves several purposes. The colours represent gender - a male defendant and a female judge - but the “baby” colours are also a reminder that all are born equal under the law. Furthermore, and in contrast, blue symbolises grace and fairness and pink symbolises calmness and peace, qualities for the Rule of Law.

This ambiguity is also in the barrister’s wig. The similarity of wigs are a visual representation of anonymity and uniformity for all barristers, both prosecutors and defence attorneys, both men and women. It is also a powerful symbol of formality and gravity, consistent with emphasizing the importance of the Rule of Law. However, the wig is also seen as an outdated relic of privilege and our colonial history. The duality of the symbolism of the wig (of both neutrality and elitism) is also in its glass form, with the inherent tension within glass.