Sean Donovan’s recent work addresses the consequences of human global dominance. The work The Wasteland is based on chemical pods found in an abandoned industrial park outside of Lisbon, Portugal. The factory, and its surroundings are now a toxic wilderness of refuse poisoned by the production process. The colorful pods embossed with the word “PLENTY” symbolize the myopic philosophy of industrialists who placed profit over the welfare of their employees and the environment. The resin pods cast at one-third scale, are arranged and suspended overhead as a whimsical, rotating “daisy”.
A group of three works, each with the title Control Command Delete, take their form from the carapace of turtles who are among the world’s most threatened groups of species due to habitat loss, the illegal pet trade, and consumption for food and traditional medicine. The found shells symbolizing luck, good health, and a long life, protrude from the gallery walls with a delicate gesture of neon.
An industrial receptacle, severed and suspended by a steel armature, becomes a visual and acoustic experience when placed within the confines of an exhibition. With the work No Title, the artist brings us face to face with the tools of industrial waste.
Sean Donovan: Recent Work Installation view
Sean Donovan: Recent Work Installation view
Sean Donovan: Recent Work Installation view
Sean Donovan No title, 2020 plastic water tank, steel armature, hardware 50 x 54 x 18 1⁄2 inches (127 x 137 x 47 cm) each element SD51
Sean Donovan No title, 2020 plastic water tank, steel armature, hardware 50 x 54 x 18 ½ inches (127 x 137 x 47 cm) each element SD51
Sean Donovan No title, 2020 (detail) plastic water tank, steel armature, hardware 50 x 54 x 18 1⁄2 inches (127 x 137 x 47 cm) each element
Sean Donovan: Recent Work Installation view
Sean Donovan The Wasteland, 2020 resin, motor, metal hardware, wood, stainless steel cable 59 inches (150 cm) diameter SD52
Sean Donovan: Recent Work Installation view
Sean Donovan Dow/Dupont Chemical, 2020 foamboard, inkjet on perforated window decal 28 ¼ x 23 x 1 inches (72 x 59 x 3 cm) SD53
Sean Donovan Dow/Dupont Chemical, 2020 foamboard, inkjet on perforated window decal 28 ¼ x 23 x 1 inches (72 x 59 x 3 cm) SD53
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 3, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 15 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (38 x 22 x 15 cm) SD56
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 3, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 15 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (38 x 22 x 15 cm) SD56
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 1, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 12 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (31 x 22 x 15 cm) SD54
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 1, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 12 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (31 x 22 x 15 cm) SD54
Control Command Delete 2, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 12 x 8 ½ x 6 inches (31 x 22 x 15 cm) SD55
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 2, 2020 snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 12 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (31 x 22 x 15 cm) SD54
Sean Donovan Control Command Delete 2, 2020 (detail) snapping turtle shell, neon, glass tubing, silicon wire, transformer, acrylic tube support, hardware 15 x 8 1⁄2 x 6 inches (38 x 22 x 15 cm) SD55
Sean Donovan The Wasteland, 2020 (detail) resin, motor, metal hardware, wood, stainless steel cable 59 inches (150 cm) diameter SD52
