Doilies

SARS, HIV, Herpes, Influenza, Hepadna

2004

freestanding computerized machine embroidered lace mounted on velvet

16.75"H x 16.75"W each (framed dimensions)

edition of 10 + 2 AP

Doilies re-examines the lace doily as an innocuous domestic artifact that traditionally references motifs from nature. The design of each doily in the series is based on a different virus structure (HIV, SARS, Influenza, Herpes, Hepadna). The radial symmetry of the doily form is conflated with that of the enveloped virus structure. The project explores the “domestication” of microbial and biomedical imagery in the quotidian landscape. Bio-terrorism, pandemics, and anti-microbial products alike have heightened our awareness of the microbial world. The project materializes the notion that an heirloom artifact can manifest the psychological heredity of cultural anxieties.

The series, created in response to the first SARS coronavirus outbreak (2002-2003), has taken on a broader resonance with a wider audience in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the of the original conceptual intentions of the project still easily emerge, however, with “shelter in place” policies and pleas from medical professionals for the public to “stay home”, the relationship between our biomedical status and our domestic circumstances is now amplified. Craft has also played a prominent role during crises as people seek solace in new pastimes with hand-made projects including mask making efforts. Inquiries into the “domestication” of the biomedical landscape are more relevant now than ever.

Project support provided by GenArt New Media Art Exhibition

Exhibitions include David J. Sencer CDC Museum in association with The Smithsonian Institution, Museum of Arts and Design, Beall Center for Art + Technology, Jönköping County Museum, Museum Kunst der Westküste, Van Every/Smith Galleries, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Richmond Art Center, Kala Art Institute, Texas Woman’s University, Nathan Larramendy Gallery, Catharine Clark Gallery, Track 16 Gallery

Collections include UC San Francisco Infectious Disease Department and private collections