A Tin Drum That Has Forgotten Its Own Rhythm is inspired by the industrial history and culture of Cornwall. Made with tin sheets and cut-out figures, the installation refers to local tin mining. Once one of the most active in the world, the Cornish tin mining industry gradually slowed down up to the closure of the last mine, South Crofty, Pool in 1998.
The cut-out figures show different characters from Cornwall’s history, including tin miners and fishermen. These figures are made of steel and electroplated with tin, nickel and copper, materials and processes that have traditionally been used for canning pilchards fished off the Cornish coast.
The central structure is clad with tin and other materials, inspired by homes Boghiguian saw on a recent trip to Ethiopia. In this way, she connects Cornwall’s industrial past with references to the world of today. The structure is painted with figures and scenes inspired by the time Boghiguian spent in West Cornwall.
