Compression Repression
Marshmallow, pine, icing sugar
Compression Repression fleshes out the dynamics between food and embodied experience by employing the confectionary treat, marshmallow. Marshmallow is made up of sugar and gelatine. Once ingested these materials become useful carbohydrates and proteins for the body. The same materials exist in human mucus, which is produced by the body at times of infection or arousal. Mucus creates a layer of protection, like a blanket over vulnerable parts of the body.
As a food, the marshmallow situates its purpose within the body, however, it also appears to be a pillowy and soft textile. Draped over the pine spine, the weight of the marshmallow compresses the elasticity of the timber. The form of the marshmallow suggests comfort however the mechanics of the structure indicate the corporeal structure is under duress. Excess lengths of marshmallows accumulate in folds around the base of the structure. The security blanket is slipping—it is no longer required.
Exhibited at Melbourne Art Fair with First Draft
Documentation by Shannon Toth
Room sheet
Marshmallow, pine, icing sugar
Compression Repression fleshes out the dynamics between food and embodied experience by employing the confectionary treat, marshmallow. Marshmallow is made up of sugar and gelatine. Once ingested these materials become useful carbohydrates and proteins for the body. The same materials exist in human mucus, which is produced by the body at times of infection or arousal. Mucus creates a layer of protection, like a blanket over vulnerable parts of the body.
As a food, the marshmallow situates its purpose within the body, however, it also appears to be a pillowy and soft textile. Draped over the pine spine, the weight of the marshmallow compresses the elasticity of the timber. The form of the marshmallow suggests comfort however the mechanics of the structure indicate the corporeal structure is under duress. Excess lengths of marshmallows accumulate in folds around the base of the structure. The security blanket is slipping—it is no longer required.
Exhibited at Melbourne Art Fair with First Draft
Documentation by Shannon Toth
Room sheet
22/2/2024 - 25/2/2024
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