Jack Ginsberg Centre for the Book Arts


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Jessica Merle

Durban

REBIRTH

Type of book work: Unique / sculptural book-object (one-of-a-kind)
Dimensions: 260 x 265
Media: Fabric, felt and embroidery

Artist's / designer's statements

Rebirth compiles a series of embroideries that explore themes of metamorphosis, catharsis and healing through the use of symbolic 'stain-imagery', drawing on Ancient Greek beliefs that evacuation of bodily fluids results in health of body and mind. The repetitive process of embroidery mimics the psychological journey from trauma to healing. Through the use of embroidery, issues of gender and domesticity are explored and the narrative is closely related to female experiences. The book format of Rebirth enhances the narrative effect of the series. The act of binding the embroideries together reinforces embroidery and sewing as metaphors for repairing and healing.

Rebirth comprises embroidered textile pages bound inside a cloth cover. The exterior of the front cover is fully embroidered. The interior of the back cover bears the embroidered initials J.M.S.

Artist

Education

2014-2016 Master of Arts (Fine Arts), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
2013 Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
2010-2012 Bachelor of Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Awards

2015 Rita Strong Award for Fine Art Postgraduate Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Exhibitions

2016 'Innerspace', Master of Fine Arts Graduation Exhibition, Jack Heath Gallery, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (Solo Exhibition)
2016 'The Things We Do For Love', alongside 'SA's Dirty Laundry', SOMA Art + Space, Johannesburg, South Africa (Group Exhibition)
2015 'David Walters and Friends "Looking Backwards: Looking Forwards"', William Humphreys Art Gallery, Kimberley, South Africa (Group Exhibition)
2015 'Power and Visual Culture', alongside The South African Visual Arts Historians' 30th Annual International Conference, Jack Heath Gallery, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (Group Exhibition)
2014 'First Introductions', Art Afrique Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa (Group Exhibition)

Collections

2010-2017 Various Private Collections in South Africa