figures
This idea of human anatomy, especially our outermost layer – skin and sex organs, is evident in the choice of materials, fabrication, and surface of the Figures in this collection. For example, there is a severe contrast between the two testes within the male scrotum in Figure One. One is visceral and silky, an idealistic male organ, while the other a worn out, cozy pillow-like form. This comparison is similar to that of magazine glossies and old flannel pajamas. A used blanket is the material used for the latter because of the color and feel, but also the connotation of the bedroom. By constructing the objects with wire running along the seams, they could be gathered to reference the hanging of the organ on the body. In addition, the satin fabric pulled apart offered the illusion of hair or fuzz again referencing the body part.
While my references to the human body are not completely obvious, there are clues given in the form of clothing and fashion worn on the body. There is a reference to the female body in the form of a bustled layered skirt. Virginity comes to mind in the form of a white wedding dress or veil in the rear of the sculpture while the front is bulging pregnant stomach. The red ruffle also adds another layer of identity to these forms, as they start to form a personality. They become a character within a narrative. The height of the work, as installed, presents an opportunity for the viewer to have a relationship with the work, as it stands eye level. Large adjustments in scale for particular body parts, such as the large organic orange and rigid brown-cuffed pants ‘legs’ exaggerated them as a miss-matched pair. The interior muscles of this leg are attached on the surface of the form with pink elastic bows, in an attempt to turning the body part inside out and then display it.
2006 - present
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