The Fence
When asked to propose what my idea of “ownership” means, this is what came to mind. It was built and executed for my Body and Object Class at OCAD. This is the write up:
The construction of my installation stemmed from the idea of “ownership” and the institution of marriage. In using symbolism and metaphor, I wanted to portray the idea of marriage as ownership . Growing up, the idea of marriage has had to change for me as I identified with the idea of “family” meaning that one parent was higher then the other in regards to power and say in a relationship. This poses the question of “ownership” in a marriage and if it exists between two people who promise to spend the rest of their lives together.
Creatively, the assignment was put together with multiple long pieces of wood found in a dumpster near Church and Wellesley. I nailed them together creating the idea of a fence, leaving no room to pier through. The white fence with black hinges slowly faded into broken pieces of wood with a rough texture and scattered nails throughout. There is a latch in the upper right hand side that does not come together with its other component. There are two wedding bands on either side of it with a string tied to the latch. The fence sits propped up on the wall. The scale of work is approximately 4” x 6” in width and height.
Conceptually, there is a wide range of symbolism in the piece constructed. The idea of a fence barricades a certain section from another. It creates boundaries and rules, the accessible versus the non accessible. There is no room left between one piece of wood and another. This leaves little to no room to peer within or between each piece to see what is going on behind them. This symbolizes the private unhappiness and struggle that neighbours, friends and family do not get to see in a marriage.
The application of white paint symbolizes the idea of perfection and the suburban way of life. Living in the suburbs isolates a stay at home mom from her family and friends, which is something I have personally come to understand through my family unit and friends in new marriages. The fence’s unfinished painted job represents the attempt of marriage and love and how it can fade over time. This idea has now transcended into my work of seeing the constant struggle between my parents growing up in a tense household.
The fence latch on the far right hand does not allow both pieces to match up. They were built to work together, yet they are dysfunctional if unmatched. Although two pieces are made to fit, they will not work if they do not come together, like a partnership. One wedding band sits on the long portion of the latch with more range to be taken off and on. Another wedding band sits clasped in the latch with out range or movement. One holds more freedom then the other. This connects on another personal level for myself, as one ring belonged to my father and the other to my mother. This, in turn connects to the idea of ownership and one partner who sets boundaries and rules over the other.
The piece was constructed to question the institution of marriage, free range and to question if you completely give yourself to someone, what exactly does that mean? Does it mean completely giving up your freedom and happiness? Does it mean being barricaded and restricted from spaces, isolation and decision making? Does marriage actually mean ownership? Is a completely balanced marriage actually an achievable reality? I wish for these questions to be asked when this piece is displayed and for people to think more critically about the idea of matrimony and power dynamics within the family unit.
