The idea for the Chronophage was conceived by John Taylor whilst reflecting on the concept of time as it relates to our existence. He draws on Einstein's work on the relativity of time that the perceived duration of each minute varies from person to person and depends on circumstances. Time, as it is commonly used, is merely a convenient construct to help society coordinate activity.
His thoughts were triggered by a realisation that comes to us all as we advance in years: the equation of life no longer balances and there are more things left to do than time do them in. Time is both eternal at a universal level yet extremely limited at a personal level. Hence the idea of a Chronophage, a time eater, devouring each minute and controlling the passing of time, but also playing occasional tricks so that time seems to go slower or faster.
The form of the Chronophage directly references the work of John Harrison, the inventor of the marine chronometer which allowed the first accurate calculations of longitude at sea. Harrison invented a mechanism for controlling clocks which he called a 'grasshopper'. John Taylor transmogrified the form of a grasshopper to create a disturbing, mythical, eternal creature to devour the minutes of life.
He is fascinated by the technology to art continuum - much contemporary art would not have been possible without innovations in technology, materials and fabrication methods. To enable the Chronophage creature to control the passing of time required innovations (some of which he has patented), which have taken over five years to complete. The workings of the underlying mechanical clock were turned inside out with the teeth rotating around the outside of the massive, gold plated clock face. The form of the face describes time radiating from the centre of the universe for eternity following the big bang, like ripples on a golden pond - appropriately, the face was formed underwater using explosions.
John Taylor has combined the aesthetic and philosophical with innovative design and exquisite fabrication in creating the Chronophage - asking us to give more consideration to our perception of time and mortality.