In the face of every person I pass I imagine myself seeing someone else. another identity from another time constructed using their features and expression.Who were they long ago? They look back at me and their eyes are windowed portals. A house is just a type of body. A body is just another room. Who used to inhabit theirs? Who used to inhabit mine?
What does it mean to live under strict social norms of morality and rationality, vulnerable to brutal hierarchy but without the language or permission to show weakness? In 18th century Britain, class distinctions and gender norms were deeply entrenched. The common belief was that hardship needed to be endured silently and vulnerability, especially in men, was morally suspect. This project explores the effects of that restriction and how it connects to the modern world.
THE ROLE OF A COAT
The coat is the outer layer of protection. A house. Armour. The coat is your layer of respectability. Your claim to a position in society. Determination of rank. A mask to pretend to be someone who is never harmed.
HAVERSACK
A bag is another sort of house. Your belongings show the world who you are. This one was made by hand, out of necessity. The strap sewn together from leftover scraps. Just big enough to carry what you might need for one day.
SHEEP AND LAMBS
Represent Lack of agency and vulnerability but also conformity and doing what’s required of you, being a vessel or a tool.
Represent Lack of agency and vulnerability but also conformity and doing what’s required of you, being a vessel or a tool.
FOXGLOVE
A poisonous flower that can also be used to make heart medicine. Can symbolize insincerity. Here symbolizing the intertwined relationship between harm and healing- in this time period work and pain were seen as virtuous and cleansing
A poisonous flower that can also be used to make heart medicine. Can symbolize insincerity. Here symbolizing the intertwined relationship between harm and healing- in this time period work and pain were seen as virtuous and cleansing
WATTLE FENCE
Very common fence type in this time period- woven by branches intertwined together. Symbolizes feelings of entrapment and entanglement with systems outside your control.
Very common fence type in this time period- woven by branches intertwined together. Symbolizes feelings of entrapment and entanglement with systems outside your control.
KEEPSAKE RING
In the 18th century, Garnet was a common stone symbolizing loyalty, home, and protection during travel. The hare, a symbol of freedom and vulnerability is entangled with the fence and has a garnet set in its eye.
