Tectonics
Amel Barich
Artwork part of ‘Time’ (Issue 15)
The Artist
Amel Barich (she/her) is a Moroccan geologist and artist who lives in Reykjavik, Iceland. Amel's artistic life mainly revolves around painting, singing, and writing. She has a strong interest in the intersections between art and science, their impact on culture, and society’s relationship with nature. Through her art, Amel aims to shed light on the incredible role geology has in shaping and sustaining our lives on Earth.
Website: www.amelbarich.com
The Science
‘Tectonics’ was created using acrylic and calligraphy brush pen. It is an imagined representation of our planet’s geological structure, influenced by analysing seismic profiles and the lithological diversity of the subsurface as depicted by geophysical software. The lower colour combination is taken from Submachine palette, whilst the upper is more responsive to physical reality than to technological expression. The patterning mirrors complex geological layers, reminiscent of deformation and fracturing in the Earth’s crust and the role these play as a conduit for deeper molten materials. Each element carries a narrative thread, referring to episodes such as formations, fractures, magma chambers, and metamorphosis.
The Theme
Delving into the geological scale, 'Tectonics' seeks to visualise Earth's ancient chronicle. Through this lens we perceive time as a grand symphony of planetary transformation. It underscores the disparity between human and Earth timeframes, fostering humility and reverence for our planet's enduring journey. 'Tectonics' offers a perspective of the inner workings below our feet, inviting contemplation of the ground’s strata, formations, transformations, and the eons it took to craft a world ready for human life.
Copyright statement. This work is published under the CC BY-NC-SA license