RAPUNZEL

2020, TANZNACHT, BERLIN, GERMANY

2021, PLUR, HAUS DER STATISTIK, BERLIN, GERMANY

SCULPTURE, APPROX. 300CM x 100CM x 35CM

STEEL, GLASS, HUMAN HAIR, GREEN FLOURITE, CHRYSOCOLLA, BERGAMOTTE OIL

Rapunzel is one of the first sculptural pieces in a larger body of work exploring the potential of ‘aesthetic healing’ related to the human body, illness, pain, and healing. Composed of materials with direct, intentional impact on the human body, the piece is an attempt to transgress visual representation. Apart from material and compositional choices, the sculpture is also scented and therefore holds the potential of a strong sensorial response by the spectator. Rapunzel focuses on the relationship between physical and mental health, by exemplifying the relationship between mental and physical health, based on the condition 'Rapunzel Syndrome' - a condition where individuals eat their hair as a reaction to anxiety, ultimately leading to a complete blockage of the stomach. The sculpture consists of an 8.5m handmade metal chain, the same length as an average human digestive system. The chain is lubricated with Bergamotte oil and attached to a number of objects, such as a blown glass stomach filled with human hair, and two stones/crystals with properties said to calm anxiety and unite the mental and physical body.