Frozen Moments - May 2006
The work for this installation is inspired by the idea of capturing a moment in time from the past and to give it permanence whilst also presenting its fragile and fleeting nature. In this instance a memory from childhood was the catalyst for making.
‘Victor Sylvester’s Invitation: Dance to the Ballroom Music’
Having no record player at home, from time to time, my sister and I were given permission to play records on my grandmother’s gramophone player. Listening to a record on one such occasion initiated a memorable conversation between us.
‘Look at me…I’m the one in the red dress!’
‘I’m wearing the white one!’
‘Who’s going to wear the blue?’
We were spellbound by the image on the record cover.
For the purposes of the installation I have recreated four of my then favourite gowns pictured on the record sleeve, hoping to capture that momentary feeling of enchantment as I imagined myself in each being transported around the dance floor to the sound of the ballroom music. However, in order to simulate the sumptuous fabrics of the garments I have deliberately selected materials and tools from sources usually considered to be lowly, such as polythene bin liners and plastic bags, and remoulded then into forms with a humble domestic iron. This has presented me with interesting and exciting challenges in ways of working and understanding. In particular, ephemeral and fragile qualities alongside those suggesting permanence have been emphasised. Once completed, the garments have then been lit from within and suspended from the ceiling in order to evoke the image and atmosphere projected by the memory of that moment.
Throughout the process, transformation of material, identity and thought have become key elements for consideration. Also, from a wider perspective there has been a growing recognition of how production, status and value can be (and has been) manipulated and challenged across time.
