Statement
In this body of work, I used clothing that belonged to children to express issues of loss, absence, and memory. Anything that has been used or touched before by humans has a history, and as such the children’s garments are imbued with emotion, power, and significance.
In my work practice I seek out experimentation with new materials. Each new medium has a symbolic or metaphoric potential to express my concerns. My approach to working with plaster is routed in history with a note to its use in ancient Greek sculptural fragments and death masks. The sculptural dresses are without limbs and heads echoing the fragmented classical sculptures. With plaster’s suppleness qualities, the christening gowns’ fragility is incased. Devoid of warmth, comfort and all color eradicated, allows the viewer a range of associations. The sculptural gowns suspended midair is emblematic of ascendance, heightening our awareness of the fleeting nature of life. The flat clothing stacked on the ground represents fossilized artifacts in death, allowed to live forever. The salt encrusted shoes, represents protection, hope and healing for children struggling in camps and border crossings.
I started working on this body of work during the Trump Administration and have continued to create more plaster clothing through the summer of 2023. My goal is to stack the flat plaster clothing to soar in height towards the ceiling. My work is dedicated to encouraging dialogue about the dehumanizing treatment of migrants and their children.
Bio
Lucy Gentry is a multimedia artist whose passion lies in the transformative power of art as a catalyst for social change and raising awareness. Born in Seattle, WA, Lucy has traversed various parts of the country, absorbing diverse cultural influences that inform her creative practice.
With a background in costume design and a wealth of knowledge gained from teaching at institutions such as Brown University and Evergreen State College, Lucy brings a multidimensional perspective to her artistic endeavors. Her expertise in costume design adds a layer of visual storytelling to her work, enhancing her ability to communicate ideas and concepts.
Currently based in Olympia, she draws inspiration from her surroundings and continues to explore the intersections of art, activism, and social consciousness.