Samson’s Revenge

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Artist: Barbara Burns

Title: Samson’s Revenge

Attribution: Samson's Revenge, 2020, Barbara Burns

Year: 2020

Materials: wool weft seine twine warp, grommets, corset satin.

Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 7 inches

Image Statement: The imagery of hanks of roughly cut hanks of hair is a reminder of the story of Samson and Delilah. It is part of a collection of corsets which express my fascination with the ways people have distorted their bodies in the name of beauty and art: historically, the corset and foot binding are well known. Being displayed on an armature, propels the corset into the world of sculpture, taking its shape through pulled warp weaving techniques and shaping to become three dimensional. The corset has been designed to fit the artist. It is supported by a substructure which includes corset satin, stays, grommets and lacing all typical of corsets. When transferred from a wall hanging to the format of a corset, the imagery takes on new meaning as it wraps tightly around the body. My intention is to give the viewer something to consider beyond the technical and visual aspects of the work.