Artwork copyright Sidonie Caron. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Sidonie Caron. Photo courtesy of the artist.

South Sea Bubble, 1991

Sidonie Caron
(American, born 1932)

Location: Hamblen Elementary, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

South Sea Bubble is a colorful abstract collage by artist Sidonie Caron. The composition features layers of play money, a grid of Mylar squares, and "bubbles" of spray paint. The idea for the piece is inspired by an economic scam carried out in 18th Century England. The scheme involved creating the "South Sea Company" to promote trade in South America. Many people invested in the company, including the king, George I. Caron notes, "In 1720, the value of the shares of the South Sea Company suddenly and dramatically fell and the whole financial house of cards collapsed. As a result, thousands of Englishmen became impoverished and hundreds became bankrupt. The whole episode is remembered in English history as the bursting of the South Sea Bubble."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Spokane School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sidonie Caron creates abstract, landscape, and figurative paintings. She notes "I am an eclectic painter. I respond to life’s influences, my travels and my environment by making work that reflects all this."
Born in Germany and raised in England, Caron attended Saint Martins School of Art and Central School of Arts and Crafts (both in London, England). She emigrated to Portland, Oregon with her husband and children.