Escherlor, Judith Miriam
untitled / 2008
Video loop / 7 min
(© Judith Miriam Escherlor 2008)
Several video sequences show the artist herself applying make-up to her face. She constantly repeats and exaggerates certain gestures in such a way that the scene gains an absurd or grotesque character.
Mermaid / 2006
Skulpture (Wood / foam rubber / velvet / artifical hair) / 160 x 36 x 140 cm
Ciccioline / 2004
Each 36 x 31 x 100 cm
The work contains six sculptures from material, foam rubber, and artificial hair, which are displayed on wooden podia. Each object describes one, more or less identifiable part of a woman’s body.
The choice of body part is based on those who have a strong sexual connotation or are subjected to fetishism, for example breasts, lips and hair. The desiring glance focuses often on individual emphasised features. Likewise the body in „Ciccioline“ is also fragmented. Separated from the whole, the parts are displayed on decorated presentation cushions in which they have grown into so to speak.
Year, 2001-02
Series / 34 pieces (Tampon / Blood)
Judith Miriam Escherlors unnerving installation „Year“ consisted of 361 tampons with dried menstruation blood she had collected within a year. By nylon strings the tampons were hung from the showroom´s ceiling thus creating the impression of a floating square plane. A a body in space the tampons signified time as a dimension not directly to be observed. The attantion of the spectator was directed towards menstruation normally hidden and taboo. By publicly confronting such a private object a space was opened enabling a new perspective on the subject.
<13_05_00_01> / 2000
Installation
(© Judith Miriam Escherlor 2000)
The museum houses artefacts such as jewellery, packages, arrowheads and human bones. Objects, which were, in their time, banal or vital or not openly seen are presented in immaculate glass cabinets for the eyes of those who want to study them.
The tampon is a consumer good / commodity of many woman of a particular age group and as such a feature of our culture providing information about the character of the body and our conduct regarding it. A series of used, dried tampons is added to the collection of ancient artefacts, which are intended to manifest the nature of our planet an its living inhabitants. Placing such a series below a diagram of the earths´ geological clock suggests that human beings are integrated in the cycle of nature.
The work deals with the ambiguous relation of humans to menstruation and their no less complex relation to nature in general. Both appear to be in many respects alienated from humanity.
Dress from: „The Heritage Series“ / 1997
Paper object
(© Judith Miriam Escherlor 1997)
Vita
*1973 Wilhelmshaven (DE)