Eleanor McLean
My practice exists within the realms of sculpture, writing, film and installation. I explore contemporary attitudes towards intimacy and love and ways in which we might seek comfort and security. This is informed by considering human desires in relation to various spaces and positions, philosophically and politically.
The work offers a space to consider our relationship with digital and domestic spaces, whilst questioning the role of authoritative figures and the influence of pop culture. This is referenced through identifying images and objects, particularly those which act as anchors of security in our search for answers and hope, whilst considering how desires manifest in response to our universal concept of the big other. I frequently reference the emergence of astrological beliefs in internet culture, considering how it might influence and guide our relationships and inspire to construct identities amongst the blurring of fictional and non-fictional narratives. I have also begun to consider the role of heterotopia spaces as a form of escapism and how intimacy operates in these.
My work is often composed of domestic objects and re-appropriated images. I frequently use processes such as tufting and ceramic as traditional and feminine whilst to reference a sense of comfort. I am especially drawn to identifying objects from the past, interested in how these are romanticised, particularly technology. I often use and re-position these in the work which might be accompanied by poetry, sound, film or textile.
‘Space Invaders’ is part of an on-going project exploring funfair parks and arcades as spaces which act as heterotopias, entertaining an escapism whilst stimulating experiences of pleasure and danger.
‘Space Invaders’ is a hand tufted ‘welcome’ door-matt made in lockdown which references the old arcade game, borrowed from pop culture and re-contextualised to propose questions about our own space and new interpretations of borders. Many of us are forced to be confined to and guard our personal space and domestic boundaries during this time of crisis.
The work is approx. 70x50cm.