Unspoken Realities
2026
‘Unspoken Realities’ (2026) is a combination of metal and textiles, which are two of the foundational materials of the world around us. They form the basis for three artworks: How Are You?’, ‘How Are You Really?’ and ‘Stretched to Breaking Point’ (all 2026). These comprise a large imposing installation that dominates the exhibition space, reflecting on the experience of stagnant interactions and the loss of authentic connections between people in the digital age where everyone is technically reachable, leading to ‘unlimited access’. The artworks are a collective visualisation of human vulnerability – going beyond those with visible and invisible conditions. The work argues that it’s fine to talk and connect, and that as humans we need this.
How Are You?
‘How Are You?’ is a mixed-media textile artwork, combining a mix of reclaimed and new metal with cyanotype calico squares, roughly placed and sewn together, forming a long patchwork quilt. The work explores human connection and intimacy by examining a simple everyday interaction. The textile piece of the work is a conversational response to the title, highlighting the overuse of an introductory interaction but showing the chance to pause and have a meaningful connection.
How Are You Really?
‘How Are You Really?’ is a mixed-media textile artwork, incorporating a textile screen print and a steel rebar frame. It is a text-based work using an acronym of the word ‘FINE’, which broken down stands for ‘Fucked Up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional’. In a society that pigeonholes and ‘others’ people on the grounds of difference, dividing them into ‘unhealthy’ or ‘healthy’, it is no surprise there is a silent epidemic of suffering. The artwork is a screaming response to the artwork’s title: a statement of how many people feel inside even though they may say ‘I’m fine’. However, it is also a positive call to acceptance that everyone in society is ‘Fucked Up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional’ in some way.
Stretched To Breaking Point
‘Stretched To Breaking Point’ is a 2:39 destructive art film featuring the work ‘Stretched’. ‘Stretched’ is a 7x7 inch grey spray-painted metal-framed artwork with compression stocking fabric stretched and stitched to it, that has the words ‘I’m F.I.N.E’ embroidered onto it. In modern times, the work-life balance has been eradicated, and people are pushing themselves to the limits: living to work instead of working to live. Capitalist pressures force people to overwork, stress and stretch to breaking point. The film shows how too many stresses can pile up and add pressure causing the fibres to fray and snap.
