Amy Wilson
Escapism is a key theme of this body of work. I initially focused on the construction of an imaginary landscape set, which was photographed and digitally altered to convey the memory of a dream. Putting these abstracted moments of imagination on display was not enough, I wanted to create the moment of escapism and represent the vehicle of personal fantasy. I used my experiences and frequent desires to escape social interaction to determine the escapist vehicles I would represent, settling on the mythological mermaid and medusa. It is the strength, grace and freedom associated with mermaids that I have always found appealing. To become a being greater than I am is seductive. The mermaid is an allusive, sexual siren that incites obsession whilst simultaneously being a vicious, powerful, predatory and to all extent a soulless being.
The mermaid tail symbolises the adoption of the persona of the mermaid as an alter ego, like a superhero. Its not a permanent metamorphose, there is always the choice of sea or land. Hence it is an empty tail awaiting life, rather than a depiction of an entire mermaid. The sculpture is an alternate reality ready to be picked up or discarded as desired. When discarded the tail is out of place, it is a daydream dumped in the physical world. The wearer can take on the persona but be protected by the character; it represents an existence without consequence and the protection, freedom and confidence found with disguise and anonymity.
The medusa head and back piece endows the wearer with ferocity, otherworldly intimidation and the freedom of being the ‘scariest thing out there’, without risking social reprisals. It is the physical form of inner anger and violence repressed in order to function in society. The snakes stem from the brain and spinal cord to empower the wearer and allow the enjoyment and immersion in animalistic predatorily tendencies.
email: amy.sara.wilson@googlemail.com
phone: 07926 523830