Conversing with Parasites is a series of text-based installations that investigates the behaviors of dominant languages habits. Inspired by William S. Burroughs who claimed that, “language is a virus from outer space,” this work verbalizes and visualizes dominant language habits in order to reveal the parasitic nature that language has on social systems. Like a parasite, language infects, adapts, reflects and manipulates perceptions. Both are contagious mechanisms that govern the way we exist, move, influence, and decipher the world.
Conversing with Acanthamoeba is made by scaling and layering verbal fragments to form a dimensional visual pattern that is reminiscent of a microscopic view of the brain-eating parasite, Acanthamoeba. The material used is graphite, which like language is transferable. When touched it will rub off on anyone that interacts with it.
Conversing with Toxoplasma Gondii seeks to communicate the gripping nature that language has on our minds. In this piece the words grow in size and intertwine with each it verbalizes and visualizes the behaviors of language and the parasite Toxoplasma Gondii. From a natural seam in the wall words emerge with a greeting, “Hello, from the inside…” The words continue in a growing pattern across the wall, “When we met, all I wanted was your body. I started with your muscles, that layer of thickness that lives just under your skin. But it wasn’t enough. I needed more.” Using white vinyl on a white wall the viewer is drawn in as the text creeps along, “I wanted to see what you saw so I had to inhabit your eyes. But it still wasn’t enough. I needed more.”
Conversing with Acanthamoeba
Location: University of Notre, AAHD Gallery
Materials: Charcoal
Approx. Size: 20’11” x 10’9”
Date: 2018
Conversing with Toxoplasma Gondii
Location: University of Notre Dame, Riley Hall, Basement Foyer
Materials: Vinyl
Approx. Size: 20’11” x 10’9”
Date: 2017
Conversing with Toxoplasma Gondii Prints
Materials: French Paper, Screen Prints
Approx. Size: 8.5” x 11”
Date: 2017