If collecting shells or fossils appeals to you so will this museum-quality assemblage by artist Alec Madoff. The composition features a dynamic play of light, shadow, and the layering of pieces of a conch shell. The shell's inherent spiral form has been sliced into uniform quarter-inch segments and arranged in a concentric mirrored spray pattern.

Conchs are an interesting species of sea life - mollusks that are characterized for the shape of their shells and serve the role of primary consumers, integral in ecosystems for cycling nutrients from plant matter to food for animals higher up in the food chain. Regarding their relationship with humans, there is a known history of indigenous toolmaking that transforms our present day interest, in the remains of a unique organism, into a continuum of attraction to something beautiful in our world.

The sun-bleached shell exhibited here has hints of peach and violet along with evidence of bioerosion where small snails have created tiny holes and organic patterns in the shell. There is mystery here for us to consider, and the artist's clever layering of display materials to create an invisible structure that allows these shell segments to "float" is a stylized presentation of something universal for those who relate to the sea.

- Measures 26” x 18” x 3”
- Sliced conch shells, plexiglass, linen, and wood
- Built-in installation wire
- Installation hardware and instructions included
- Additional shipping required

Alec Madoff is an assemblage artist with more than thirty years of experience as a museum preparator at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Studying American Studies and Art and Art History at Connecticut College, Alec embarked on a career of collection and curation.

As an artist he gathers everything from seashells to discarded toys to archaeological relics. Then, he renews and reuses these found items to create elaborately curated assemblages. Mounting each found object to appear as though suspended in space, Alec seeks to add order and permanence to what were previously discarded or forgotten artifacts.

Since childhood, Alec has explored the beaches of New Harbor, Maine and local spots where he continues to seek out shards of pottery, bone fragments, and other overlooked treasures.

From the Artist:

"I am inspired by sailors’ valentines brought home by whalers for their sweethearts at home, memory vases encrusted with bits and pieces to honor deceased loved ones, and the art of Asia and Africa where certain objects, colors, and metals became sacred."