Kaleidoscope Gallery, Sevenoaks
April 2019
April 2019
In this socially engaged project, Lorrain amalgamated her experience of aiding family members to breath into paper bags when having asthma attacks with the theory of Lygia Clark’s therapeutic practice, from the 1960s.
The intent was to facilitate the release of subconscious tension and anxiety and to question the line between our inner and outer space. Participates were invited to breathe into individual biodegradable latex balloons and fill them with their exhaled breath; once completed, seal them by tying a knot. This invisible and natural waste process was now tangible, harnessed in a sealed inflatable container and visible through its translucent skin. Once a number of balloons had been exhaled into, the participant was invited to lie down on their expelled creation. Depending on the mass, it was possible for these balloons to levitate their body weight from the ground, generating an awareness that they had surmounted their stress.
The disguarded material, infused with the exhaled carbon dioxide mix was hung on a washing line and exposed to all the elements for over 12 months. Throughout this time the materials lost none of their retention or showed signs of decomposing. Rather the wrapped cellophane with the balloons appeared to metamorphosed into a pair of lungs. |