Mont Ples

This body of work shown at @lochness.fanpage, an artist-run space in Ghent, Belgium in October 2023, stems primarily from our shared interests in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where we grew up. As visitors encounter the third piece, they are greeted by a group of 5 tangled serpents molded from clay, swimming through a bed of sand. Snakes were always present where we grew up, and you could often catch sight of them lurking beneath the surface. The idea for the serpents also stemmed from Lochness’s mascot, Nessy. We enjoyed the idea of suggesting a deeper body of sand in the space — and, like the spiraling cows, populated by another group of animals in a sort of artificial performance.

In response to Lochness’s invitation to collaborate on the interior design of their new space, we aimed to craft an installation that mirrored these inspirations. Our vision led to an interactive environment where the flooring could be lifted to integrate artworks directly within the new ground, utilizing sand and other natural materials as the primary mediums. This approach allowed us to create a space that not only serves as a backdrop for art but also engages directly with the themes and textures of the South Carolinian landscape that so deeply influence our work.