Jessica Teckemeyer
Sculpture
jteckeme@umn.edu
jessicateckemeyer.com
http://vimeo.com/9257249
"Between Life and Death", 2009, Installation view, bathtub, milky
liquid, electronics, video, rear-projection screen.
A clawfoot bathtub is filled with a milky liquid. Air bubbles rising from
an unseen source interrupt the smooth surface randomly a few times a
minute. Above the tub, video featuring Moon Jellyfish float slowly in and
out of view.
"Portal I", 2010, video, acrylic, paint, wood, 16" x 16" x 6.5"
"Portal I" manipulates the viewing experience. The viewer peers like a
voyeur through a peephole to reveal video of a fluther of Moon Jellyfish.
The jellyfish move about in a slow, sensual matter. These alien-like
creatures appear fragile, but have venomous tentacles. The videos serve as
metaphors of strength and beauty.
"Abstracted Reality", 2009, video, balloons, silk, metal 46" x 46"
x 23".
Within a silk dome, pearl balloons are used to abstract the projected
imagery. The translucent nature of the materials allows the video to
permeate all sides.
The physical spaces we encounter are invested with symbolism and metaphor and are thus much enriched for this interplay between fantasy and reality -
a process of enrichment of place that also enriches self,
and offers to all who encounter a rich place to live 'creatively'. ~Sarah Menin
Through sculptures and video installations, my work explores the ways humans connect to the physical world. Our culture places a significant emphasis on speed, layering of information and the complexity in the everyday. These cultural trends cause me to question the contemporary landscape and structure. In response, I create unexpected environments that slow the viewer to give them opportunity for introspection, as well as meditation.
The imagery and materials explore themes of attraction, repulsion, fragility, sensuality and abstraction. The work is monochromatic, quiet and intimate. By placing a clawfoot bathtub in the gallery and inflated structures in the landscape, the re-contextualization offer encounters distinctly separate from reality. I investigate our relationship, not only to objects, but also to animals. My process often involves observing and shooting video of animals in captivity, particularly aquatic life. I am drawn to the translucent, gelatinous body of the jellyfish and the elastic, shape-shifting body of the octopus. Both creatures have alien-like qualities that are activated through sensual movement. As a whole, the work is the catalyst for questioning perception of objects, places and encounters.
