Ichthyosis.

  • Essen, Tamsin van
Date:
2011
Reference:
3171742i
Part of:
Medical heirlooms.
  • 3-D Objects

About this work

Description

Ceramic slip cast porcelain pot with embedded stained earthenware elements representing the genetic skin disorder Ichthyosis, in the form of a white jar with a cracked surface.

Publication/Creation

[London], 2011.

Physical description

1 vase : ceramic porcelain ; 11 x 9.5 cm

Notes

Cast from a plaster mould and fired multiple times. Earthenware parts are put into the mould before casting, so they became embedded in the body of the piece.
"The surfaces and shapes of these vases each suggest a different health condition that can be inherited: the spots of acne, the brittle bones of osteoporosis, the rapid cell division of cancer or the flaky skin of psoriasis or ichthyosis. Just as we might inherit a family vase, so too might we inherit these 'medical heirlooms'."--From Being Human exhibition caption.
Title provided by the artist.

Reference

Wellcome Collection 3171742i

Exhibitions note

Exhibited in 'Being Human' at Wellcome Collection, London from 5th September 2019.

Copyright note

Tamsin van Essen. All rights reserved.

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    On Exhibition

    Note

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