STIGMATISED
Science Gallery Dublin
“The self’s clean and proper body is not a given, but instead an unstable construct under constant threat.” Julia Kristeva. Powers of Horror.
Stigmatised is a series of human host portraits, an atlas of outward signs of infectious pathogens and potential communicable diseases. Presented here as an illuminated physiognomy of corporeal manifestations, the images explore the ways that visual representations have traditionally informed our knowledge, inner fears and aversion to illness, working as a form of sympathetic magic in relation to the law of contagion.
The images suggest a benign medical gaze, one fashioned on the ‘innocent’ aesthetic of early 20th century medical textbooks, popular household physician publications and fairy tale illustrations. Drawn and photographed in the colour register and luminosity of contemporary high street beauty counter displays, these branded body products include, Erysipelas, Herpes, Eczema, Croup, Diphtheria, Kaposi’s Sarcoma (AIDS), Psoriasis, Syphilis, Chickenpox, Measles and Scarlet fever.
The work consists of a large grid of 17 light box drawings intended for gallery and interior public space exhibition. 204cm (height) x 422cm (width) x 15.5cm (depth). Each image 61cm (h) x 51cm (w) x 15.5cm (depth). Variable for gallery spaces. Edition of 1. Collection of the artist. 2011.
Karl Grimes
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