Utilizing traditional architectural drafting techniques, Valerie’s work revives the centuries-old capriccio genre, presenting fantastical compositions that juxtapose real and imagined elements. Through worm’s eye axonometric projections, the series provides a unique perspective, emphasizing the intricate, often overlooked details of infrastructure, and revealing subterranean and elevated structures integral to our digital landscape, such as fiber optic cables, communication towers, and data center cooling systems.
The work draws inspiration from artists such as Bernd and Hilla Becher who photographed industrial spaces, as well as from the architectural drawings of James Stirling, and Alberto Sartoris. Inspiration was also taken from artists involved in the architectural world, such as Madelon Vriesendorp, and visionary architects such as Douglas Darden, and the Soviet paper architects.
“Infosphere” stands as an investigation into the agency of the built environment in the digital age, encouraging reflection on how technology reshapes our understanding of space and infrastructure. Original works of art, drafts, and prints will be on display, and available for purchase.
Valerie Marshall is a Canadian artist and architect based in Helsinki who uses traditional architectural drafting and visualization techniques to explore contemporary issues related to the built environment. She received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto in 2021, and has since worked on projects around the globe, spanning North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia. Her art practice is rooted in her background in architecture and is driven by a curiosity about the sites and structures the modern world relies on but often go unnoticed.
