Second Skin at the SCVA
Well it was a successful evening at the Sainsbury Centre’s Late Shift last Wednesday night where Nadja debuted a project titled ‘Second Skin.’
We invited guests to participate as models to create an interactive artistic display in the cloakroom and stairwell. We wrapped volunteers in reflective fabric and tape to create hollow figurative sculptures. These sculptures considered the individual identity of the participants to explore themes of vulnerability and body consciousness. The reflective materials acted as a protective second skin, reflecting and deflecting its surroundings.
I was very surprised at the number of visitors who were keen to be wrapped. In the end we could not wrap everyone who asked to participate. I did notice that many more men were interested than women.
What I found most interesting about the sculptures was that they did indeed have an individual spirit that showed a connection to their models. Sometimes it was a certain shape of the back, or a tilt of the arm, but I could see life in these pieces at the end of the night.
A fascinating moment was when we had a model request that we improve upon a certain part of her body that she thought was “lacking.” I’ll give you two guesses as to which part.
I think we should continue this project in the future, and perhaps advertise an alteration as a part of the wrapping service. Of course, this would only be if they want to change something about themselves. I wonder if the same body parts would keep coming up again and again?
