ABOUT SCARLETT
My work for the Survival exhibition began with a consideration of ‘toxic masculinity’, developing from a feminist perspective to consider the vulnerability of human beings. I was inspired by the work of American artist Judy Chicago particularly, The Dinner Party (1974-1979) and also Ronit Baranga, in particular her sculptures entitled Tea party (2017-2020).
I have developed a collection of ceramic vessels: small containers, disfigured cups and mugs displaying an assortment of anatomical elements, male and female genitalia, eyes, noses, ears and hands. The work has been highly experimental and I chose to embrace the uncertainty and unpredictability of firing the clay and as a way of working. This process included producing tile tester pieces, testing out skin tones, also multi-patchworks tester pieces, air dry clay testing, and acrylic paint decoration.
My underlying intention has been to raise awareness of woman in vulnerable situations – domestic abuse, and sexual assault. The catalyst for this work came from Sarah Everard’s murder (03.03.2021). I have inscribed helpline numbers for woman and statistics of violence to woman into the ceramic objects as a way of highlighting these events.
