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Artist information:
Sara Holwerda
Chicago, IL
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Sara Holwerda is showing at:
The B.O.B. The B.O.B.
20 Monroe Ave Nw
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Sara Holwerda
Artist bio: I graduated from the University of Michigan School of Art and Design in 2006. That fall, desperate for city life, I moved to Chicago. Since then, I've been working as a teaching artist, primarily at the Hyde Park Art Center. I've shown my work in Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Baltimore, and New York City.
Artist statement: I am very interested in female sexuality and it's expressions and representations in contemporary society. In my most recent body of work, I'm exploring the phenomena of seduction via unnatural and cumbersome adornments such as: acrylic nails, corsets, hosiery, and high heels. All of these, respectfully, create major obstacles for the wearer: inability to use your hands, physical discomfort, difficulty getting dressed and walking. As an artist, I'd like to playfully raise questions among men and women alike; why do popular expressions of female sexuality include accessories that make it impossible for women to function normally? Are these things really that alluring? Where do these ideals and symbols come from?
About the work:
Title: Poke

Art form: 3-D

Medium: Model Magic and Acrylic

Year created: 2007

Description of work: 'Poke' is an installation of 180 life-sized fingers. Each finger was hand modeled and painted, and each acrylic nail was individually filed and polished.

Work statement: Using acrylic nails as an example,'Poke' is an exploration of seduction, as well as the aggressive and functionless nature of iconic sexualized accessories.

Technical details:
Work width: 40 inches
Work height: 72 inches
Work depth: 6 inches
Required venue ceiling: 30 inches
Required venue door height: n/a
Required venue door width: n/a
Required wall linear footage: n/a
Required venue square footage: n/a
Additional considerations:
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: No
Lighting needed: Yes
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: No
Indoor space needed: Yes
Outdoor space needed: No
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