FRAGILE
DEPTFORD X ART TRAIL
2021

Deptford X is an artist-run festival that used the spaces and places around Deptford to exhibit art works, stage performances, events and interventions. I made this studio window installation as part of the Art Trail. You can read my artist statement below, and scroll through more images above.

FRAGILE : BREAKING, MENDING AND TRANSFORMATIVE REPAIR

When we fall apart, it gives us a chance to decide how to put ourselves back together again.

Conventional repair is about restoring function and a ‘like-new’ appearance: using transparent glue and invisible techniques to erase any traces of breakage. It conveys the idea that perfection is paramount, and consequently, that anything other than perfection is less valuable. 

But what if imperfections actually added value? 

Visible repair honours the journey, highlights scars and celebrates imperfections. It acknowledges that a broken object will never be the same again – because it becomes something new altogether. This is what transformative repair is about. Transformative repair says: “I’m still here, despite everything.”

This mini exhibition embraces the inevitability of breaking. As such, it is as much an exploration of protective packaging: from biodegradable void fill and corrugated cardboard to that same carefully refolded toilet paper to transport fragile unfired work from my home to the studio in between lockdowns. 

Not everything survived.