In my final work, Second Skin, I ask what is expected of a human body, what does it have to look like? Move like? Act like? What is normal?
I am incredibly interested in how the human body can be modified, both in a superficial way and a functional way. How can we build bodies to be better at doing the things we need them to do? Or what other ways can we modify bodies without surgery being involved? Can we push fashion to a place of empowerment or even ridiculousness? How much skin is too much skin? Is there a possibility of a second skin? What would that look like? How would it fit around the body? How would it move? Would it get in the way? Could we still complete the same daily tasks?
Second Skin
The humanoid being moves around the domestic space in an awkward and clumsy manner. It is restricted not only through the form and the materiality of the “skin” itself, but also in terms of location and ability to partake in certain tasks or activities; limited to the domestic setting and its mundane tasks. The being is seen cooking, cleaning, exercising and entertaining itself around the house; creating unique and interesting forms with the body as it completes each task. This results in a compilation of videos that explore themes of monotony, restriction, the body and spacial interaction.
Second Skin
Installation view 1
Installation view 2
Installation view 3
Taylor-Jade Kennedy, Second Skin
Taylor-Jade Kennedy, Second Skin
Taylor-Jade Kennedy, Installation view 1
Taylor-Jade Kennedy, Installation view 2
Taylor-Jade Kennedy, Installation view 3
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
