ARTIFACTS OF US, 2021

Viewer, 

As a philosopher of girl culture, I appointed these objects and imagery to stand as the icons of the moment, like in season shoes, and girls with tattoos.  During my time as a tattooist, I imagined myself as an archaeologist exploring the subculture of Knew York’s young women.

While tattooing hundreds of women over the last seven years I discovered their magic power of taking ordinary items and making an idol of them. Knew York women (not defined by the literal geography of NYC) adorn themselves with the iconography of their personas. They see items that align with who they want to be, and sew pieces of their souls into these objects by assigning sentimentality and symbolism to what others might see as frivolous. These are the women I want to study. 

In contemplation of my findings, I explore media I’m very comfortable with such as a line of ink, an unforgiving vibrating machine, and a sewn stitch. Further than the familiar, I explore the new way, like filling a space than pulling a line. 

I offer these pieces to be kept in the home with you; to pour bits of your soul and pain into; meditate in front of; to look upon and see yourself–literally or figuratively. A crushed can from a great night as a holy relic. This art is meant to live with you and fall out of fashion in the name of enjoying the moment as well as taking more careful consideration in fast fashion and consumerism.

Look into our hall of artifacts and see a mirror or glorified garbage, something all Girls Knew York know well. 

Thank you,

Mira