Montreal 11/02/ 2011, Sarah Garzoni: Corps étranger, at Art Mûr.

Sarah Garzoni. Narcissus, Tribute to Isadora and Charles D. 2010, Sewing machine, taxidermy, casting and Feathers, 321 X 16.5 X 24 n

Sarah Garzoni : Corps étranger

January 8 - February 26, 2011
Art Mûr
5826 St _Hubert St
Montreal, Qc,

Sarah Garzoni, Breaching, 2010, corset, plate, cire dents de requin, [corset, flat, wax shark teeth] 38.5 X 21 x 17 cm

Corps étranger: "Animism rested as a primitive impulse within early anthropological assumption, removing and debasing any sense of spirituality from the carcass. The hunted, abused, utilized existence of a living being was lessened through a theoretical trope that could render it useful. Of course, these beasts of burden could be nothing to us, they lack the very essence of being: a soul."  

from essay by Michael Rattray

I came across the work of French artist Sarah Garzoni last fall at the Toronto International Art Fair at Art Mûr's booth while checking to see what Cal Lane pieces they had brought. [see facebook album TIAF October 28 2010 ] Since it has become a habit to drop by their gallery when ever I am in Montreal because of its close proximity to the MCCT [Montreal Centre for Contemporary Textiles] I was quite happy to run into Corps étranger.

The opportunity to see more and a variety of Garzoni's work was much appreciated. The difference between an image on a website and the real object is always better. Along with the sculptural taxidermy  pieces there was a selection of her garments constructed with digitally printed textiles.  

The imagery on these 2003 garments are close up details of human flesh, nipples, hair, moles and scares. The series of limited edition clothing is entitled Topodermie [ don't look for a French to English translation it is Topography and Taxidermy squished together ] There is an interesting connection between all this flesh printed or stuffed.

Nipple Dress

Explaining her process for the Topodermie work on her website describes the process of taking close up pictures of flesh, isolating the elements she wants then using those images she using basic patterning rules and lays out a number of recognizable designs that replicate "Animal prints" stripes four corner repeats etc. Then digitally prints the cloth which is then made into clothing. As clothing is what we use to hide/ cover the skin this clothing which uses skin as its pattern is ironic to say the least.

Sarah Garzoni : Corps étranger

January 8 - February 26, 2011
Art Mûr
5826 St _Hubert St
Montreal, Qc,


visit her website for more about her work http://www.sarahgarzoni.com/

Art Mûr http://artmur.com/

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