Path of a Body
1999-2002
Despite the societally-promoted myth of control, the path of a body, of a life, is full of the unexpected. Now, more than ever as digital media and science accomplish feats formerly thought possible only in the realm of the imagination, it becomes increasingly apparent that mysteries remain hidden in the human body and psyche that science cannot solve. Societal speed and the consequent stress of expectations serves to separate us from our bodies, encouraging us to live increasingly in our minds and on our digital devices. The Chinese word “crisis”, composed of the characters for “danger” and “opportunity”, points to the loss of health as an opportunity for growth. Now is the time to slow down and listen to your body. As the Chinese proverb says: “Better to change direction now or you may end up where you’re going.”
With the exception of two visual quotations of Giotto, all images are from my archive of original photos. The printing method, a solvent transfer of a photocopy print, is immediate and low-tech. Some images incorporate the figure or isolated body parts from classical sculptures; others imply presence of the body by its absence. They serve as reminders on the path to wellness.
Exhibition title is courtesy of Veda Hille’s Path of a Body record album.
