Keywords: australia, douglas mcmanus, etching, glue, laser-cutting, melbourne, victoria, clear gel ink, cow hide, flocking, perspex, synthetic hair

Beard Burkha 3 Piece

Douglas McManus

Dimensions

1800 x 450 x 70

Materials

laser-cut cow hide, etched perspex, clear gel ink, flocking, synthetic hair, glue

Artist statement

‘A sense of place or origin is not necessarily a manifestation of the physical. For me place is virtual, fuelled by technology. Within this ‘place’, origin loses significance as race, gender, sexuality and culture can be veiled or concealed within a digital framework.

One can switch gender or race. The physical boundaries of place are no longer restrictive. Access to information online is screened by the individual; a place can be built around a virtual self. Communities can evolve and dissolve seamlessly within a user defined network. At the same time, however, the body and self can be intimately examined and scrutinised by electronic technology.

The notions of concealment and camouflage, juxtaposed against exposure and scrutiny are themes that I explore in my work. Lace is the ideal textile to express these concepts, as it both hides (positive space) and exposes (negative space).’

Behind the scenes

INTER-LACE: Douglas McManus