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Mandy Burgess

Hanging Out

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Recycled fabric, recycled cotton and polyester stuffing, recycled wood, 80 x 80 cms, 2025

Women still fight to be treated equally, to have our voices heard, to control our bodies, to be able to live freely without being subject to violence or ridicule.
In Hanging Out an amorphous fabric form bursts out from a hard geometric container. I wanted the soft fabric with its visceral colour and pendulous saggy shape to work against the standardised timber structure.
Hanging Out references work by feminist artists such as Louise Bourgeois' latex boob suit and Sarah Lucas’ stuffed stocking Bunnys. Their work challenges traditional materials and forms of art, with an alternative aesthetic and content which reverses the male gaze.

My sculptural practice explores relationships between the individual, group and natural environment. I use the qualities of commonly found materials including handmade paper, and the process of making to investigate resonances and connections. Since graduating in honours from the National Art School in 2012 I have taken part in many group shows. Part of my practice is the active collaboration of Murray and Burgess with Ro Murray, formed in 2015. Together we create installations foregrounding environmental issues.