precarious sediments of the unknown

Unconcealing precarious sediments of the unknown, steel, wood, silicone, automotive paint, and vinyl, 4 feet x 2 feet x 2 inches, 2023

By constructing two giant hairpins, my aim is to radically disrupt the scale and materials associated with everyday objects, exploring the concept of utility and inutility. The hairpin, with its rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, holds a lot of cultural and symbolic meaning. Importantly, this object has been adopted in the LGBTQIA+ community where it is used as a symbol of self-expression and defiance of societal norms. This work is an exploration of queer phenomenology, a field that examines the ways in which our understanding of the world is shaped by our experiences and identities. By challenging our perceptions of what is considered art and what is not, I am inviting the viewer to consider the ways in which their own understanding of the world is shaped by societal norms and expectations. Referencing the Clothespin sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and the Kiss by Constantin Brancusi, my work is also a commentary on the relationship between everyday objects and fine art.