• iris, 2001
  • iris, 2001
  • iris, 2001
  • iris, 2001
  • iris, 2001

iris, 2001

fibreglass, aluminum, motors, custom electronics

67” h x 16.5” w x 18.25” d

mechanical design: Colin Harry

machining: Paul Cahill

iris investigates both narcissism, conditioned behavior, desire and voyeurism. The breasts are replaced with decorative breastplates that open and close as the viewer approaches. Inside the lenses are mirrors which in turn reflect the viewer’s presence. Referencing the male fascination with the female breast, the mirror lenses counter the gaze. The pristine autobodied surface of the female form alludes to car culture in general. When the viewer approaches iris, the presence sensor activates the motors behind each lens, which in turn rotates the lens to open position exposing the mirror. When the aperture hits the limit switch, the motor stops, reverses direction, and the lens closes unless it senses further movement.

Exhibition History

2008    ABRACADABRA. Edward Day Gallery, Toronto, Ontario. Curated by Kelly McCray.
2004    spasm. AKA Gallery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
2003    Artists’ Echoes: Contemporary Responses to the ROM Collection. Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario. Curated by The Institute for Contemporary Culture.
2002    Summer Invitational. Sable-Castelli Gallery, Toronto, Ontario. Curated by Barbara Edwards.
2001    autobody. The Koffler Gallery, Toronto, Ontario. Curated by Carolyn Bell Farrell.