Ange Altenhofen
“Wingback”, 2014
Deconstructed wingback chair 421/2" x 34" x 5"
"Wingback" was created by reconfiguring parts of an old chair to form a pair of "wings". Theoretically, this object could be worn; but I am more intrigued by the idea that everyday objects contain souls, and my sacriligious way of finding them is to tear things apart to see what's inside.
Ange Altenhofen
“Riding Hood” from the Braille Series; detail, 2019
Cotton batting, salvaged vintage sheepskin jacket, pine, felt, burlap, leather, cotton string, glass beads, pearls, plastic taxidermy eyes, synthetic fur, upholstery foam; braille transcription of the story of Little Red Riding Hood 46" x 23" x 62"
Showing a detail of the braille beadwork on scavenged sheepskin jacket positioned on the back of the rocking wolf. The braille text tells the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
Ange Altenhofen
“Riding Hood” from the Braille Series, 2019
Cotton batting, salvaged vintage sheepskin jacket, pine, felt, burlap, leather, cotton string, glass beads, pearls, plastic taxidermy eyes, synthetic fur, upholstery foam; braille transcription of the story of Little Red Riding Hood 46" x 23" x 62"
"Riding Hood" references a rocking horse in structure and utility, stripped of its skin to show its understructure. The vintage sheepskin jacket creating the wolf's saddle is embroidered with beads and pearls representing braille dots and spelling the text of the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
Ange Altenhofen
“Scratch” detail, 2018
Cotton velveteen upholstery fabric, cotton batting, vintage wood paneling, gold leaf, cut natural gemstones including ruby, aquamarine, diamond, topaz, garnet, citrine, amethyst, peridot, and emerald 12 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 1 1/4"
"Scratch" began its life as part of the armrest of a vintage sofa that my cat used as a scratching post. I was inspired to set precious stones peeking through the fabric and batting. How does the surface of a thing inform or create its interior? How can touching something transform it or ennoble it?
Ange Altenhofen
“Scratch”, 2018
Cotton velveteen upholstery fabric, cotton batting, vintage wood paneling, gold leaf, cut natural gemstones including ruby, aquamarine, diamond, topaz, garnet, citrine, amethyst, peridot, and emerald 12 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 1 1/4"
"Scratch" began its life as part of the armrest of a vintage sofa that my cat used as a scratching post. I was inspired to set precious stones peeking through the fabric and batting. How does the surface of a thing inform or create its interior? How can touching something transform it or ennoble it?
Ange Altenhofen
“Conversation Between Two Poets” from the Braille Series, 1999
Synthetic fur, polyester batting, nylon, leather, satin, glass beads, baby bottle nipples; braille transcription of love poems Variable
"Conversation Between Two Poets" consists of a pair of wearable handsewn gorilla suits, one female and one male, that are covered with beadwork representing braille text. The transcribed text is a collection of love poems. The wearers can read the poetry beaded onto each other's "fur" through the holes in the leather fingertips. This image shows the braille beadwork on the female gorilla suit.
Ange Altenhofen
“Lines of Communication” from the Braille Series, 1999
Dyed leather, glass beads, pearls, hangers 20" x 10" x 3"
Two wearable handsewn leather masks are embroidered with beads and pearls representing braille text. The transcribed text is a pair of love poems that the wearers can read by touching each other's faces.
Ange Altenhofen
“Lines of Communication”, from the Braille Series, 1999
Dyed leather, glass beads, pearls, hangers 20" x 10" x 3"
Showing detail of the braille beadwork on red leather mask. Braille text used is a love poem.
Ange Altenhofen
Hush (I remember how warm your skin used to be): from the Braille Series, 2020
Scavenged vintage rabbit fur glove liners, glass beads, rayon-cotton blend fabric, steel Variable; approximately 32" x 9" x 3"
Detail showing the braille beadwork on the fingertips of a pair of scavenged vintage rabbit fur glove liners. Braille text reads, "I remember how warm your skin used to be".
Ange Altenhofen
Hush (I remember how warm your skin used to be); from the Braille Series, 2020
Scavenged vintage rabbit fur glove liners, glass beads, rayon-cotton blend fabric, steel Variable; approximately 32" x 9" x 3"
