Theatre of Turmoil

My most recent project centers on themes of surveillance, free will, and social hierarchies. It consists of ceramic sculptures depicting groups of characters forced into handcrafted animal costumes against their will. Their purpose and intentions remain unknown, there is no clear narrative. 

Characters are displayed on a handcrafted wooden stage with worn-out decorations reminiscent of an old dollhouse. They appear frightened, as they can sense an ominous presence watching them. The audience is encouraged to interpret the story through fragments of their lives offered through paintings and the environment they inhabit. 

The costumes visibly wear the characters down. I have always been fascinated by surfaces that attempt to appear as something else. The sculptures attempt to resemble fabric, yet they are made of clay. The surface of the clay body is treated in a way wood carved sculptures would be. This tension between material and illusion is central to the work.

The project explores relationship dynamics between characters, questions of body autonomy, and the role of craftsmanship. The animal suits function simultaneously as protection and constraint, concealing and exposing the self. The inspiration for this project grew from my interest in sewing and the soft sculptures I have made in the past. Clothing and style can be powerful instruments for self-expression, but they can also confine us. I began to wonder what it would mean if garments were imposed rather than chosen, if identity was something assigned and physically enforced.

My creative process begins with selecting an animal with visually compelling attributes. I then consider how the human body might be positioned within the costume and begin sculpting. Once a vague silhouette appears, I allow the clay to dry slightly before carving ears, faces, folds of fabric, and other details.