In May 2008 Fernando Casasempere unveiled his new project at the Economist Plaza, St. James’s Street, London.

“The Thought-Provoking Machine” is a sculptural installation inspired by the effects of machines and mass production on the environment and modern society. The work draws contrasts between organic matter and manufactured products. The manipulation of clay is central to Casasempere’s art. Using pigments obtained from residues of industrial waste reinforces the conflict between nature and technology.

“The Thought-Provoking Machine” consists of two industrial conveyor belts, one transporting raw material in its original state, the other carrying the same material transformed by the artist.

“Nowadays, the ability we possess to transform is too powerful, so much so that we are affecting the landscape with more force than a natural disaster”, says Casasempere. “The machine is out of control, devouring natural resources without stopping to consider the consequences.”

The project was presented by the Economist Group and the Contemporary Art Society with the collaboration of Alda Caparrelli Fine Art.