Skin joining with skin, saliva joining with blood
My current work dissects the relationship between [my own] bodies and other living organisms. Alluding to historical rituals of bloodletting, and exposing a host/guest relationship, as the transfer of vital fluids stresses the delicacy and importance of the membrane. Reframing the view of the body as a host for the benefit of others, a host for a parasite to feed off and then discard.
Through video-performances I aim to emphasise both the similarities and the contrasts between our two forms, and visualise the tense, yet purgative relationship that has been built.
In my current exploration, the leeches and I have developed a relationship in which they benefit from me, offering seemingly only suffering in return, but through this engineered relationship of nurture and care (one ultimately controlled by myself), the body can be seen as a life-giver and not just as a disregarded host. A one-sided association becomes mutually beneficial.
Contact - madeleinelbarratt@gmail.com
Education
University of Leeds, Fine Art, BA
University of Creative Arts, Foundation
Exhibitions
Stand 2020, Nunnery Gallery - Whitechapel
Expanded Spaces 2019, SLG, London
Parasite 2019, Bermondsey, London
Socio - Parasitology 2019, Nunnery Gallery - Whitechapel
FemFest 2017, 47/49 Tanner Street, Bermondsey
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
So What of The Future 2017, School of Fine Art, Leeds
Off-White 2017, School of Fine Art, Leeds
Fantastical Representation 2016, Leeds
Other
Curator - Parasite, Bermondsey
Videographer - Bow Arts Club, Whitechapel 2018/19
Videographer - Nasty Women London artists 2017/2018
Curator - So What of The Future, Leeds 2017