PLAYING CARDS
2015
An autobiographical study of identity, sexuality, and gender. This is explored using collage by editing an already existing object such as a playing card. I am interested in re- interpreting images in order to change their original meaning. This editorial process enables me to challenge the viewer’s already existing ideals and norms. The series of playing cards symbolise the LGBT community by experimenting with imagery from the Jack, Queen, King cards. Many of the changes I have made to the cards are subtle changes that allow the viewer to recognise an object they are familiar with but have to take a second glance to notice the changes I have made.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
2015
Society has taught me to colour code the genders pink for girls and blue for boys as I have done so here. This chessboard sculpture is a representation of gender identity and equality. By putting both of the Queens on the pink team and both of the kings on the blue team I am enforcing that division and this makes it impossible for either team to win a game of chess. Chess requires a checkmate in order to win a game, by having two kings on the blue team they have twice the risk of losing. However the pink team have two queens and therefore can not officially win a game because they never had a king to defend. The purpose of this work is to make the viewer question the equality of gender in this society as they attempt to play a game of chess using these duff chess pieces. This isn’t just a feminist sculpture; this is a socialist artwork.
