"Strange Mouth Feel"

Abstract

‭“Strange Mouth Feel” explores how imagery historically used to depict otherness‬ ‭can be reclaimed and celebrated through performance and embodiment. I do so to‬ ‭contend with my own identity through a satirical lens. This research-creation project‬ ‭examines the history of abject depictions in medieval European art, focusing on‬ ‭gargoyles and elements of gothic architecture as subjects that represent hybridity and‬ ‭fluidity. The artworks accompanying this paper manifest as interdisciplinary sculptural‬ ‭objects that are activated through live performance. During scripted performances, I‬ ‭employ practical effects makeup and choreographed movement to embody the image of‬ ‭the gargoyle. Humour is embedded within the work as a tool to confront issues that are‬ ‭unpleasant, controversial, or frightening. Throughout the exhibition, sculptural moments‬ ‭that represent drainage systems—such as toilets, gutters and drains—are reimagined‬ ‭as portals. The narratives and characters developed in this research draw on my own‬ ‭experiences, as well as imagery from popular culture and gothic reproduction.‬ ‭World-building methodologies borrowed from science fiction and drag are invoked to‬ ‭represent queer temporalities that have the potential to interrupt and reclaim narratives‬ ‭surrounding horror and the abject in contemporary culture.‬ ‭