Old Soul

Stalactites are mineral deposits formed by dripping water in underground caves, containing groundwater that is dissolved in carbonates. As water droplets fall from cave ceilings or walls, calcium carbonate precipitates, gradually forming stalactites. Calcite, limestone, and marble are metamorphic rocks formed under high temperature and pressure. Clam and oyster shells are also calcium carbonate—in my hometown, people burn oyster shells to produce lime for premium coatings. Conch shells, too, are primarily calcium carbonate.

In this installation, conch shells are assembled into columns. Cotton ropes hang from above, both ends soaked in a supersaturated calcium carbonate solution. Once saturated, the ropes drip liquid downward, depositing stalactite-like formations on the conch shell columns. The rope structure resembles an inverted dome, while also evoking the aerial roots of banyan trees.

Slow-growing conchs, slow-growing banyans, slow-growing stalactites—along with this transparent enclosed space and this campus—all possess their own old souls.