LA INCUBADORA

 

The Roger Smith Lab Gallery | New York, NY

2010

LA INCUBADORA  at the Roger Smith Lab Gallery in New York, NY

Media: Abaca cast paper and mixed media
Dimensions for each piece: 39 in x 19.5 in x 13.5 in
Music by: Meshell Ndegeocello
The installation dimensions varies by exhibit space.

In her captivating exploration, artist Grimanesa Amoros delves into the intricate relationship between biology and society, posing fundamental questions about the influence of biology on gender-specific roles and their evolution in changing societal landscapes.

Inspired by personal experiences during pregnancy and nursing, Grimanesa observes the curious nuances of gender disparities, sparking a creative impulse to bridge the gap between male and female bodies. At the core of her work, “You Cannot Feel It…,” she envisions a future where both men and women may experience pregnancy, challenging entrenched social norms.

In the installation space, viewers encounter handmade paper sculptures—clones of a pregnant female torso with a male head, crafted from molds taken from Grimanesa’s body. Symbolic of a foundational connection to the earth, soft, pale sand surrounds these sculptures. Collaborating with composer Meshell Ndegeocello, Grimanesa weaves a sensory experience with lighting and music, inviting viewers to engage with modern science’s extraordinary possibilities and mysteries in a concise yet impactful journey.

I am re-envisioning the The Roger Smith Lab Gallery at Roger Smith Hotel as a warm human incubator, in contrast to the cold exterior of Manhattan, yet concurrently reflecting its sterility. This is a new way to present “You Cannot…” that works with my current sensibilities while still staying true to the original sculptures.