Afterlife

An exploration of time, ancient cultural traditions and current environmental concerns through the language of art.

Named Afterlife, this impressive art installation fascinates with its deft exploration of concepts like the passage of time, ancient traditions and contemporary environmental changes that affect ecosystems around the world. Artist Katie Paterson collaborated with architecture firm Zeller & Moye to complete the ambitious project, a commission for the Folkestone Triennial 2025.
The installation sits inside a circular Martello tower, a historical coastal defense structure which the architecture firm carefully renovated. With its raw character kept intact, the tower creates a bold contrast with the piece of art it houses. Natural light pours into the interior through the openings that have no glass panes, enabling efficient ventilation and a direct connection to the landscape at the same time.

Designed in tribute to fragile landscapes and species that are at risk of extinction, Afterlife consists of two main components: a circular table made of solid wood, and 200 amulets modeled after ancient artifacts. The table boasts softly carved indentations that hold the different amulets. Inspired by a riverbed, the tabletop’s cushion-like dips remind of pebbles softened and polished by the movement of water.

Every amulet, regardless of size or shape, sits at the same level, keeping all the artifacts on equal footing. To create the replicas, the team used materials like stone and wood sourced from areas affected by forest fires, rising sea levels, or disappearing habitats. Finally, the amulets are organized into ten categories; the themes range from Biosphere and Hydrosphere to War, Pollution and Mining.

Crafted from locally-grown Sycamore wood, the table features blade-style legs that raise the tabletop to a height of around 35.5 inches. The modular parts enable not only easy installation, but also easy transportation to another location. CNC-cut for maximum precision and minimal waste, the components have hidden joints and hardware to keep the focus on the amulet display.

On view at the Falkestone Triennial until the 19th of October 2025, Afterlife encouraged visitors to reflect on the concepts of time, ancient rituals, connection, loss, and rebirth. Artist Katie Paterson and Zeller & Moye were part of a community of 18 international creatives who all followed the 2025 theme of How Lies the Land?, which explored the area’s ancient past through artifacts, geology and fossil records in connection with contemporary life and environmental concerns. Photography by Thierry Bal.