Fragmented state
3 gypsum torsos, sewn burlap with rise, charred wooden shoe lasts, wilted leather and chalk on floor
size of each torso 36x22x14" 2011
I'm very interested in the notion of space and spatiality both in terms of actual geographical location i.e looking at cartography and the power of maps, visually and socially but also realizing that our bodies occupy a space within themselves. The deconstruction of space, the separation of borders and the creation of boundaries occur in exterior or physical location but they also occur subjectively within our internal body space. This is how I became fascinated with the notion of external dismemberment as an expression of internal disassembly.
Capitalism,modernity, post-colonialism, migration and dispersion all take form in three-dimensional geographical landscapes and due to the explosive growth of transportation and communication technologies, our notions of space are being redefined. Fredric Jameson a literary critic claims that contemporary culture is 'increasingly dominated by space and spatial logic'. Territorial outlines, boundaries and margins are being created, erased or blurred on a military and personal scale. The use of map projections in the work represents this calculated, abstract, mappable and geometric space. They are mathematical representations of a 3D globe onto a 2D surface where the graticule (longitude and latitude lines) creates calculated, geometric patterns and shapes. I also chose to include map pins in the work as a direct association to maps and strategic war planning. Maps are very problematic as they can be tactical social constructions and instruments of power, as in the Mercator world projection where Europe's centrality is the priority. These defined spaces are inhabited by us "the subject" and are therefore reflected on us, our corporeal space.
Because of the inherent attachment of identity to spatial location (i.e. Our identities are formed based upon the place we are from and subsequently the places we occupy) when this link is broken we find ourselves in a fragmented and disconnected state. The dissected bodies act as semiotic representations of a fragmented territory/identity. A few works also examine anthropometric divisions or lines (based on measurements and proportions of the human body) that resemble in a direct way territorial divisions created on maps. The lines created from human hair (a reference to gender) and held together by map pins separate the limbs of the body and are the same lines separating countries.
The installation comprises three life size unidentifiable torsos placed strategically on the ground. They are all dissected in the abdomen and act as vessels or containers. By omitting the face and limbs these vessels become nameless and are reduced to temporal, mundane function. Conceptually referencing sand tables that are used in the military to rehearse action and reaction within synchronized movements in time and space across a battlefield, these torsos bring to mind little figurines or emblems that can strategically be moved around the field.
Each body carries a different material. Sewn burlap pieces with rise inside referencing transportation, trade and commerce. Wilted boxing gloves referencing worn flesh and corporeal limits. Also referring to the notion of games and sports mirroring sandtables and war games. Shoe lasts or molds that are wooden anatomical representation of feet used by shoemakers. In this case burned and charred as an outcry of dejection and mortality.
The torsos are made out of hydrocal, a gypsum plaster used in frescoes, artist's casts and medically to support broken/ damaged limbs. I have drawn the Peirce quincuncial map projection on the ground with chalk. I like the idea of calk being a fleeting medium that can be erased when walked on and is reminiscent of the transient nature of geographical borders. This can also refer to simulations of terrain on a sand table.
The paintings are paper mounted on wood and map pins with human hair. Inspiration of dissected figures was taken from Valverde (16th century) who strayed away from the norm of illustrative dissection at the time and created an uncanny violated representation of the body where his figures actively engaged in their own dissection. In this case the dissected area is filled with protruding map pins forming a calculated geometric pattern based on different map projections. The anthropometric figures on the other hand are inspirations of Durer's systemization of human proportions. Each map pin here serves as an anchor point to connect human female hair.
