Harlow Green, ESJ, 2025
Project Overview
“Preservation”
This is a corset made from bacterial cellulose, which is illustrated like an illuminated manuscript. This reference came from an immediate material association of the material with vellum parchment, and a strength, durability, and opacity which I thought complimented the human form. The text I chose to illuminate is an excerpt from a medical brochure for a type of bottom surgery procedure. Illuminated manuscripts stored knowledge throughout the dark ages, often addressing the body and transcendence. They also have a strong association with the Catholic church. By illuminating this text, I honor the importance of the procedure, reckon with it spiritually and emotionally, and awe at how much of a technological feat it is. I also approach taboos around sexual health, trans bodies, and self-determination. I place trust in the viewer to withhold judgement while they are given intimate knowledge about a mystified experience.
The piece contains a multitude of contradictions. Reproducing this text feels deeply personal and vulnerable, which is ironic considering its procedural nature. I choose to draw from this medical gaze in part due to how bizarre and impersonal it feels. This contradicts the fear, shame, but most importantly deep joy, excitement and relief I feel surrounding both the surgery and telling other people about it. I chose to censor what institution provides this service as a protective measure, subverting what it means to redact text. The corset is a constrictive and repressive tool of control and objectification, but it is also reclaimed through fashion. The tie in the back draws additional associations of domesticity, the warmth of kitsch, and also hospital gowns.
The drawings were done with calligraphy pen and water-based ink, MX dye, and metallic alcohol-based paint. The K. hensenii cellulose pellicle was treated with glycerol.
Process
Cellulose pellicle was started in large vat following lab protocol. This was grown for around 4 weeks, after which, rinsing protocol was followed. Mold began growing at the 4th week, so washing began with an initial lye bleach. After washing, sample pellicles, which had been washed with main pellicle were treated with 2% glycerol solution and air dried in lab. These samples were painted with MX dye and metallic paint. Satisfied with this, I proceeded to treat the main pellicle the same way. I then brought the pellicle out of the lab and dried it over two days with a fan. Before it was completely dry, I cut it in half, and then cut one of the halves in half. I hand-stitched the smaller pieces on either end. I attempted to speed this process by baking it at 200 degrees, but after 10 minutes it began to darken and I pulled it out for fear it would scorch. While this dried I started practicing calligraphy and illuminations, styled after Irish texts. I picked the cadecious as an initial symbol for health and the American healthcare system. I then began writing out my excerpt, and from there the illustration was intuitive. I used a sewing machine to add lining and support to the back, hand-stitching on loops of fabric for the tie.
Learn More
https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/products-and-services/da-vinci/sp