Purple Shell
2024
Purple Shell is a public sculpture commissioned by Familjebostäder located at Miraallén, Gothenburg. The sculpture represents a one hundred times enlarged sea snail, commonly found on the West coast of Sweden, known as the Purple Shell of the genus Nucella. It plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance in the Bohuslän archipelago, where it feeds on decaying plant fibres and dead animals and serves as food for fish and seabirds.
The snail’s name is derived from the deep purple colour historically extracted from it. This color is also referred to as Tyrian purple, named after the ancient city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, which became famous for its purple dye production from the snail. The purple pigments are referred to in the Bible as “purple” and are mentioned in Hebrew as “argaman.” The ancient dye was extremely exclusive, as nearly 10,000 snails were needed to produce just 1 gram. Therefore, the colour purple became a symbol of nobility, emperors, priests, and kings, with Roman generals wearing purple cloaks during triumphal processions.
The sculpture’s shell is made of purple-coloured stainless-steel mirrors, which tints everything it reflects with this noble shade. However, the snail’s shell not only reflects its surroundings and the changing weather but also mirrors a broader discussion about climate and the environment. With increasing carbon dioxide emissions, the sea has long acted as a sink for this gas. This has caused the sea to become more acidic, making it more challenging for aquatic animals to build their shells. The water becomes corrosive, increasing the risk of damage to the snails. The shell consists of calcium and magnesium, and climate researchers study how snails build their shells over time and examine the chemical composition of the various layers. A snail adds a small layer to its shell each day, and from this “daily ring,” a wealth of information can be gathered, including the climate’s temperature, which can be determined by measuring the magnesium content in the daily ring. By studying snails of the genus Foraminifera, researchers have gained insight into the biological event horizon, which is now over 200 million years back in time.
From inside the shell, the white concrete body of the mollusc extends outward, inviting passersby to sit down for a moment. As with B&B’s other social sculptures, the foundation of the artwork serves as a platform for reflection and discussions.
PROCESS & INSTALLATION
Photos: Studio Bigert & Bersgström
