Shoes of the beneficiation worker

Here Korbel presents a biographical object, the shoes that he wore to the Ranger Uranium mine to make a statement on human exploitation of the natural environment. The soles of the shoe are decaying. This is in sympathy to the processed uranium. The laces are unrestrained reflecting the fact that the decay cannot be contained and it is blown on the wind to places without any obstacles. The work is a reflection on Korbel’s change of opinion on the fate of the nuclear industry. Perhaps the uranium should be left to decay naturally in the ground. Critic’s note: Korbel has allowed himself to be more personal and personally present in this work - to the point of its literal meaning. This allows more of a narrative to develop than Korbel has previously entertained - the work and artist are the better for it.