Metallic Magnificence
Provenance : This work has been kindly donated by the artist
Exhibited :
Literature :
Notes : Frances Goodman (b. 1975, South Africa) is an artist whose practice considers the materials and labour of the beauty industry. Goodman deftly deploys fake nails, false eyelashes, among many other items found in the beauty isle, to create works that are simultaneously seductive and appalling. The repetitive and meticulous gestures used to make her works mimic the repetitive and meticulous labours of nail salons and beauty maintenance regimes. By employing these materials and efforts Goodman's work draws attention to popular culture definitions that narrow the possibilities of female identity to extremes of consumption, aspiration, obsession, desire and anxiety. Metallic Magnificence makes use of individual artificial fingernails, which individually are rigid, temporary, and dispensable objects. But, when combined, the Goodman conjures organic, seemingly living forms that defy their inanimate composition. While they appear sumptuous and seductive, the sheer variety of bright colours and ouroboros-like shapes result in an appearance that is somewhat frightening – these works possess a definite venomous quality, their shapes and shades confronting the viewer like a vivid warning sign. Despite being an extension of the quintessentially attractive female body, nails can scratch and draw blood, especially during the throes of passion (or death).
Condition_report : Structure: The work is executed with acrylic nails on foam, secured with silicone glue and resin. Surface: The surface of the work is stable.
