Laura Vickerson
Skin Deep
October 13–November 12, 1995

Skin Deep represents an ongoing series of garment pieces dealing with the body, gender & history. The Armour/Amour series allude to historical garments, the first to femininity, delicacy and decoration, and the latter to strength and protection. Tin this earlier work, my intention was to create a gradual transition from one garment (lace collars) to another (armour). Within these transitions, the role of the flowers also changes from surface decoration/scientific specimen to elements integral to the garment, and finally to more spikey threatening protection. There seems to be a continuous shifting of gender within the two garment forms in which the masculine is feminized and at time, the reverse. Subtle sexual innuendoes are implied by the materials of wax and flowers with their connection to bees and pollination. Some new works in this garment series reveal a subtle shift in focus from the Armour/Amour series. These pieces represent fragments of garments from different periods in history (including present day). The fragile, transparent wax surface is like skin. The internal workings of the body begin to take form on the outside of the garments inviting a visceral response and addressing the restrictions fashion has imposed (both physically and psychologically). Lights hanging close overhead illuminate these delicate garments of wax and flowers providing another layer of transparency or X-ray vision, and acknowledging that they neither conceal nor protect