Touching Each other, 2016

Touching Each Other originates from collections of used domestic objects such as toothbrushes, socks, and underwear. The worn quality of the materials forces a reckoning with the dirty familiarity of bodies and their detritus. By revealing techniques for folding a pair of socks or emphasizing the bristle wear pattern on a toothbrush, the sculptures commemorate a sea of similarities while simultaneously cataloging the minutiae of differences. Through exhibiting used or dirty objects that acquire the patina of cleanliness by being labeled as art, I also explore how concepts of cleanliness, whiteness and safety can only be attributed to by certain bodies- while actively obliterating others.
 
The exhibition includes darning lessons in the period rooms and a daily sock sorting in the gallery at 11am.  

Watch short videos about Touching Each Other and Mend with Me. 


Photos by Sean Smuda and Mia staff