Created as a pair: Suspended Origins II was made at the same time as Suspended Origins, using two thin olive wood pieces from the same tree. Their forms were remarkably similar, leading d’Almeida to develop them together rather than as unrelated works.
One concept, two artworks: Both pieces had a deteriorated centre that had to be removed. The resulting opening was transformed into a deep conical recess, allowing what initially appeared to be a limitation in the wood to become an essential part of the design.
Designed to connect: Each of the four sides of the composition carries a distinct texture and colour of sparkling elements flowing outward from the centre. These were deliberately matched between the two artworks: the sparkling flow on one side of one piece corresponds to the flow on the opposite side of its counterpart.
Multiple combinations: The two artworks can be arranged in several complementary configurations, with at least four possible combinations. They can work vertically or horizontally, allowing the relationship between the two pieces to adapt to the space in which they are displayed.
Individual yet connected: Each artwork is designed to stand convincingly on its own, while together they create a larger visual dialogue. One possible presentation is to place them one above the other in a space with a generous ceiling height, emphasising their shared origin and relationship.
Suspension as a solution: The wood was not naturally fractured, and d’Almeida did not want to force it to break simply to create a composition. Its lightness instead made suspension possible, leading to the distinctive spatial effect shared by both artworks.
A changing perspective: Because the olive wood is held away from the black mirrored background, the distance between the two surfaces becomes part of the artwork. Moving around the piece reveals changing shadows, reflections and views of the wood's rear surface.
Natural surface, protected structure: The visible surface of the olive wood remains natural and is treated only with special mineral oil. Its sides and rear are protected with epoxy resin, preserving the suspended element while keeping its front surface visually natural.
