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independent study

Fall 2019

Course #999

Try Me On

The bronze castings for Try Me On are based off of molds taken from the artist’s body, segmented into bust, waist, and hips. The most curious problem in this interactive, relational sculpture is how to distribute the weight of the objects, since they are cast bronze. There is a decent amount of attention paid to the safety and the comfort of the participant, and this work to be comfortable to wear- for a time. The longer the wearing participates in the work, the more and more uncomfortable and increasingly cumbersome it becomes. Try Me On is charged with the thought that female presenting bodies are communal property. Women are expected to change roles as easily as they change clothes, bending to the temperament of the situation. Additionally, these castings are not sealed so its patina will change the more it is touched and left exposed. It is armor-like and will not actually be harmed in being handled, but it is certainly not unscathed. Regardless, the viewer is encouraged to play.

© 2023 by Laurie Beth Clark

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