Holes, Anna Perach, Gasworks

I decided to visit this exhibition due to its use of textiles and exploration of femininity. I found this exhibition intriguing. The entrance was through a door with tufted faces in bright colours on it, which felt inviting. However the centerpiece of the room was a naked female figure, with her organs visible in her abdomen. The figure is presented lying on a table, which could reference an operating theatre or morgue. The room felt like a mix of a normal interior, and the room of a serial killer, and uncomfortable feeling was created by the softness of the figure and the anatomical nature of it. The use of yarn makes a viewer want to touch the figure, but they are simultaneously unwillingly due to the nakedness of the body, and the visibility of the organs. This was effective in displaying the discomfort that the artist intended, as the exhibition was a discussion on how the female body has been viewed as the other, as mysterious, immoral or strange.

The face of the 'Venus' seemed to reference barbie dolls and sex dolls, with blue eyes, long lashes and an open mouth. This could hint to how the female body is constantly sexualised, even when it is meant to be viewed scientifically or neutrally. The zips on the side of the figure made me wonder if this skin could be worn, giving the piece a whole new meaning of performing feminity.

I was initially confused by the screen which depicted three semi abstract female figures, with holes that look like viewing areas positioned next to each. These figures seemed to me to signal the mythical or not quite human depictions of women depicted such as the fates in mythology, or Macbeths witches.

It is only when you go behind the screen that you see that each of the three holes gives you a view of the central Venus. I thought this was an interesting way to encourage visitors to interact with the work.

The final area of the room contained a chandelier and a pink tub with the translucent skin hanging over it. I found the forms of the hanging shapes around the chandelier effective. However, I felt the structure of the chains was less effective and distracted from the natural forms that hung from it. This is as the chains were very heavy in comparison to the rest of the piece, and felt less intentional.

I found the sheer skin fabric to be very interesting, as I like how delicate it appears and how it allows you to see the joins and understand the process of how the piece is made.

Overall this exhibition has given me ideas of new materials and techniques to explore using. I also think that exploring the constant sexualisation of female bodies could be an interesting theme to look at in my work.

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