Year: 2018
Medium: polystyrene, pigment, metal and concrete, in 8 parts
Dimensions: 93 x 23 x 21 cm (36 5/8 x 9 x 8 1/4 in.)
Acquired from Sotheby’s, 2023
It is for the “Stack” series that Morris is best known to the world. The titles indicate the color playing the leading role in each work. The works comprise rounded shapes, large and small, that are precariously stacked atop one another, as suggested by the name of the series. Atop each composition sits an ultramarine form, the largest and most visually unsettling element, amplifying the piece's sense of instability. Despite their cheerful appearance, characterized by delightful shapes, vibrant hues, and remarkable balance, there's a somber undertone to Morris's concept. In her grief, she found solace in crafting these warped yet beautiful sculptures, layering vibrant colors one by one as if symbolizing her journey through sorrow. There are many traditions throughout the world that involve leaving stacks, motivated by a range of emotions, from the Japanese custom of Sai no Kawara or the piles of stones left by Christian pilgrims, to guideposts in the wilderness or cairns left by mountaineers. For Morris, the "Stack" series becomes a personal testament to her emotional journey, a tangible index of her evolving relationship with grief and resilience. Through stacking, she finds a form of moral support, a visual narrative of healing and acceptance.
