‘Beacon’ delves into the theme of migration. Placing mercury vapour bulbs inside three crafted structures, the artist uses phototaxis (attraction to light) to draw insects to the surface of the structures, which are replicas of the tents commonly found in camps that house migrants navigating the globe amidst political, economic, or environmental crises. Within these tent-like structures are a series of sapling oaks.The oak tree, historically introduced to South Africa by European settlers for the production of wine barrels, carries its own narrative of migration.

Much of Marco Chiandetti’s work draws inspiration from his interest in the natural world. With a Master’s Degree in Fine Art, Chiandetti has exhibited his work internationally and participated in multiple residencies. Creating sculptures from a variety of materials to explore growth, transformation and decay, Chiandetti is experimental and has been described as a post-medium artist. In his work, Chiandetti  has used clay from termite mounds, mercury vapour bulbs to attract moths at night, and called in the help of the South African Police Service to fire rounds from AK-47s at large blocks of clay.