Tall Grass

While Korbel has always found inspiration in everyday objects and built his own personal style on reimagining objects, this is the first time he has engaged with another artist. He has repurposed and resituated totem poles created by Cathryn Scott Ali - pieces that were originally used to welcome people into her gallery. Now the totem poles welcome people to Korbel's own residence. Here Korbel explores the intersection of natural and built environments - challenging our preconceptions of what belongs and what does not. The poles appear to be planted in the ground - or have they emerged from the ground itself? This is juxtaposed against 'natural' totems - bamboo grass - perhaps Korbel is making a statement about introduced species. Critic's Note: Famously an artistic recluse, this represents Korbel's first real engagement and tête-à-tête with another artist. It is hard to interpret this piece - is it a challenge to Scott Ali's work or is it sympatico? Either way, this shows another side of Korbel that is confident and more open to challenge and contestation - something that should prove interesting in coming years. How will Scott Ali respond?