Committed, 2022
Crocheted and melted nylon
40cmH x 27cmW, Base: 50cmL x 35cmW
From the Unbecoming series, featuring prints and film
These vases were crocheted separately and then torched by a flame. Intending them to ‘hug’ when the nylon melted and fused, the organic forms were made to lean into each other. Instead, the 2 vases started pulling away from each other with the heat- like over-passionate conversations unleashed.
Slowly, unexpectedly, one leaned forward, and the other back, looking almost like a pair of lovers tilting imperceptibly as they move into a hug. The focus of this series was not knowing exactly how each piece would react to the flame; it is that question mark that builds up all the tension from the first stitch of each piece, which is then released when they fall apart. In having an uncontrollable flame decide the fate of each piece, your emotions take you on a journey, creeping into some personal crevice of each person’s memory as you look at the work.
Named ‘Clingy’ before the melting process, these 2 organically-shaped vases do end up fusing together in the end, after their romantic dance with the flame- turning into ‘Committed’.
Photography by Clarence Aw