PLAYING HOUSE

 A research-creation project created in fulfillment of the degree of Master of Fine Arts

 

BIRCH VIGNETTES

In this collection of work, I transforms digital illustrations into tangible objects by laser cutting birch plywood. Each artwork consists of approximately 80–190 puzzle-like components that are hand-painted with watercolour or marbled using suminagashi, a traditional Japanese paper marbling technique. The pieces are then laminated together to create a sense of depth: a two-and-a-half dimensionality.

In this central body of work of my thesis exhibition, Playing House, I reimagine the domestic spaces of my childhood memories through ornament, colour, and an attention to softness. By embracing decoration and inviting fantasy, these vignettes become idealized spaces where gendered expectation of interior design codes can be queered, and where masculinity can feel less rigid and more playful.

 

TUFTED TROVES {Photographed by Bisma Jay}

With this series of works, I transform digital illustrations into tactile textile objects through a process of punch needling100% Highland wool yarn into a monk's cloth backing. The stylized pattern adorning each object is a reference to suminagashi, the Japanese ink marbling technique also used throughout the Birch Vignettes series.

As an accompanying body of work within Playing House, I reimagine fragile decorative objects that carry memories of childhood, admiration, and mischievous play. By translating ceramic forms into soft, woolen artworks, objects that were once only meant to be observed become invitations of touch, comfort, and sensory engagement.

 
 

SUMINAGASHI SCHEMATICS {Photographed by Bisma Jay}

With this series of works, I abstract the floor plans of my childhood home and print them onto half-panama cotton, evoking the decorative tea towels that once hung from the kitchen stove. As the title of the series suggests, each tea towel is embellished with patterns inspired by suminagashi, the Japanese ink marbling technique also featured throughout the Birch Vignettes series.

As a complementary body of work within Playing House, I reconsider the foundations of my childhood home by shifting and reorienting its floor plans, speculating on how a sense of gendered belonging might be reorganized through space and how domestic space can be queered through abstraction.

 

EXHIBITION PHOTOS {Photographed by Bisma Jay}

Playing House was presented at the Special Projects Gallery within the Joan & Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts of York University.