‘Second Skin’ explores the preservation and protection of childhood memories whilst additionally considering themes of identity. This work is made up of 82 fragments of childhood memorabilia, including; photos, old clothing, shoes, toys, diaries etc. All of these objects are vacuum packed and sealed inside plastic pockets which are then individually sewn together with synthetic braiding hair. These items are encased within this plastic skin in an act of conservation, the braiding hair being a representation of a dominant part of my identity and is utilised throughout the black community when protective hairstyles are done. ‘Second Skin’ shows a story from pieces of a person, the connection between object and memory and how this supplies solace.
The piece stretches 205 cm x 175 cm.
The basis of my practice is to create pieces that depict my identity and the challenges faced when navigating the self. My works engage with modes of healing through utilising personal memorabilia and material and repurposing them in order to revive and preserve the memories linked to their materiality.