Material: Clothing previously worn to funerals, foam, batting, thread
Description
"This series is made from clothing worn in mourning. Inspired by a personal experience with a dress I wore to my mother’s funeral and could never bring myself to put on again, I asked family and friends whether they too had clothing too tainted by association to wear. Slowly I began collecting clothes–sometimes decades old–that had languished unworn in the backs of closets, too distressing to wear and too sentimental to just throw away. Handling these testaments of loss is a powerful experience, as every garment comes with a story. Joining them together allows for the creation of a symbolic location in which otherwise private griefs become public and communal." - Spencer Merolla
Having a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Spencer focuses her practice on the exploration of objects and materials that hold strong personal significance often connected to grief. By repurposing these materials, she transforms these items along with the meaning they imbued breaking through the deep isolation associated with mourning. Spencer's most recent work reflects on her own political post election disappointment and our current state of affairs, climate change.
Using hair, funeral clothes and ash as her medium, Spencer breathes new life into everything she touches. Her insightful work reflects on the beauty from within and sheds light on... read moreHaving a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Spencer focuses her practice on the exploration of objects and materials that hold strong personal significance often connected to grief. By repurposing these materials, she transforms these items along with the meaning they imbued breaking through the deep isolation associated with mourning. Spencer's most recent work reflects on her own political post election disappointment and our current state of affairs, climate change.
Using hair, funeral clothes and ash as her medium, Spencer breathes new life into everything she touches. Her insightful work reflects on the beauty from within and sheds light on the regenerative properties of life. Spencer lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Read Spencer's CV here.
