For those who can’t sink or swim

This cues a centuries old tool known as the Shepard’s Crook, used to round up sheep, and ward off attackers and wild animals. This also hints at performative elements like a tap dancer’s cane and vaudeville hook used to literally pull unsuccessful acts off stage. The object even has several contemporary uses, from watersport safety to probing electrocuted or limp bodies. An end ram knob hints at the enforcement/fireman device used to smash materials and allow forcible entry. Meanwhile the scale is catered to the artist’s figure and curved area measured to grab a human waist. Thus the object brings notions of guardian and gatekeeper, performer and judge, coroner and lifeguard.

Catalog Essay PDF