Folly Portal — Dane Winkler

Folly Portal, 2024

Reclaimed lumber, steel, and light.

10’ x 7’ x 6’

This work was part of a 2024 solo show ‘The Hum’ at the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Gallery in Roanoke, Va. It is also the object in the video ‘Plainfin Midshipman’. The idea of architectural folly is defined as ‘ an object constructed primarily for decoration, but suggesting through its appearance some other purpose, or of such extravagant appearance that it transcends the range of usual structures.’ A portal is a prime example of a folly, originally meant to be a grand entrance into an important structure, but also a mysterious opening into time travel. The object is meant to reference a scaled up chandelier, hung at an unconventional height. Built to serve a specific purpose identified in the video ‘Plainfin Midshipman’, connecting several works in the exhibition. What happens when you bring in interior object outside?

The Hum is an exhibition of sculpture that explores passing time and transformation through reconstruction. The materials and themes for this body of work were sourced from the farmland in upstate New York where I was raised. The gathering and alteration of these materials, both natural and person made - embodies a curiosity about place - looking into the past as well as the future, and my relationship with these sentiments.

In this context the title does not refer to a vocal hum but instead mysterious reports throughout history of a low frequency sound felt in specific locations across the globe. The Hum is a persistent tone only heard by some people in the regions it has been cited. Although the cause of this phenomenon has never been attributed to one thing, researchers have noted mechanical devices, tinnitus, or wildlife as a potential culprit. The title also attempts to speak to a personal observation of nowness. This place has always been an inspiring source throughout my career. Currently, the ethos of the property is changing, which carries with it immense privilege, responsibility, and complexity. Through observing and examining the land and its structure(s) with a new perspective looking forward… a connection is made between its substance and a notion of self. This exhibition asks if the objects of a place become embedded within its history. How can sculpture be used to re-form the physical reality of objects, altering their identity to conjure a new relationship to space? The items utilized are markers of time in relation to my home in distinct ways. This relates conceptually to a few possible explanations of The Hum mentioned above - tones from military low frequency radio waves, or the illuminating mating call of the Plainfin Midshipman fish. The Hum is the sound or essence of this embedded history. Through these experiments utilizing design and architectural folly, the vibration is shaped into a new tone or form. The exploration of personal history in context with the mystery of these events extends to the viewer in this way…. challenging how our bodies and thoughts navigate through space.

The Hum is a sound, a feeling, and a question all at once. This body of work reflects on internal and external ideas about how family, agency, and wonder unite with these concepts.

Artist Talk on the exhibition here