Aphasia (2011) 36" x 36" x 120" plaster, wood, acrylic, plexiglass, copper, glass beads, electronics
“If a meaning might manifest itself fleetingly here or there, it is only in the form of one or two frustrating words that are one’s coded appeal to what might make sense out of life; this equals an attempt at a pathetic magic.” - Douglas Kahn
Subtle changes in the static electrical field activate a chattering of syllables and phonemes from the sculpture—such small electrical fluctuations commonly occur at the touch of a hand on the pearls and copper. The syllables and sounds derive from the french fairy tale Diamonds and Toads. In this story, a girl is blessed by a fairy so that whenever she opens her mouth to speak, diamonds and pearls fall from her mouth. To me, this transformation of voice to luxury object is wonder-filled as it is horrifying.
