Steel, Glass Reinforced Concrete, marine ply, corten rust finish.

3.2m L x 2.6m H x 2.5m W

1400kg

2025

I often work in opposites and layers of meaning. Along the Thames, from the site of the Winter Sculpture Park, sea containers come ashore at Tilbury. Although the sea container is a thoroughly modern icon (essentially a giant package) in its corrugated steel cladding can be seen echoes of the fluted forms of classical architecture. Yet notions of culture and identity are themselves swept aside by the powerful tide of consumerism that carries these packages.

This piece plays upon tangents of meaning: the ancient temple, the modern steel box, the overgrown site by the capital of a defunct empire. 

Time and tide have transmuted this modern steel sea container partly into stone. It stands on the estuary, like an ancient abandoned tomb looking out to sea. 

(Also for those curious enough to peer inside is a secret answer).

Richard Mackness 2025