Life Guard - OrtaWater

Studio Orta - 0814.jpg

Date: 2005
Ref: 0922
Materials: Military Stretcher bed, 2 manequins, 14 linen buckets, coated cotton, webbing, acrylic paint
Dimensions: 300 x 150 x 80 cm
Exhibition history: 2005 Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa Venice; Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam, Holland
Courtesy: Lucy + Jorge Orta

Since 2002, Lucy Orta has been experimenting with Red Cross army surplus articles, stitching and incorporating bivouacs and overalls onto the linen canvases of camp-beds and first-aid stretchers. The rigid frames of the beds act as a framing device and their former function takes on a new meaning as the body is made more visible through the fabric additions. The figures seem to be supported by the frames of the beds, or supporting others – “Life Guard”, the body is also a fragile structure in need of warmth and protection.