“gender is a kind of imitation for which there is no original; in fact, it is a kind of imitation that produces the very notion of the original as an effect and consequence of the imitation itself”
--Judith Butler, "Imitation and Gender Insubordination" (1993)
"Book Body No.2: IMITATE IMITATE IMITATE IMITATE BE" moves with the wearer, putting them in constant performance. Inside the voile tendrils on the arms and legs are over 240 scrolls with diary entries communicating transgender frustration and joy. These scrolls can be moved, and it is clear there is text handwritten on them, but they cannot be read in full by the viewer, their secrets kept with glue, respecting that there are truths in others we cannot and should not access.
2023
muslin, cyanotype, various synthetics, cotton thread, paper, journal entries
Featured Model: Lucid Clairvoyant
Lucid Clairvoyant wearing "Book Body No.2: IMITATE IMITATE IMITATE IMITATE BE" in the Selvedge show at The Nest in Providence, RI on October 26, 2024 - photo by Collin