Elizabeth Ingraham

Baggage
linen, burlap sculpture
67 x 24 x 12 in.

This work is from a series of female ‘skins’ which the viewer can touch and handle – unzip, unsnap, unbutton, enter.

The genesis of these skins is, in part, sexual and emotional trauma, which left me feeling as if I had no skin and confused about how to keep a sense of openness and receptivity and still maintain my integrity and boundedness.

Baggage has elaborate pockets and pouches which are exquisitely tailored and all empty. She has handles on her back for easy carrying, Velcro pockets in her inner thighs for carrying wet things, and an identification tag in case of loss.

© Elizabeth Ingraham