Ben Tooth
The Star, 2019
NSW, Australia
Ironbark
Born in 1992, Ben Tooth is a Australian contemporary sculptor who mostly works with Australian hardwoods for their weight, density and longevity. 'The Star' is no exception, but what makes it unique is its scale. Tooth explores humanity's increasingly fraught relationship with the environment through his work, in particular the effects of deforestation and unsustainable timber harvesting. His 'simple' constructions are intended to mirror how trunks and limbs grow in their natural environment, which creates a striking comparison with the extensive Mona Farm gardens.