Aurо́ra Lо́tton
Rags
Marked by traces of lived experience, they expose fissures in the institution of marriage
Seven wedding rings—one for each day of the week—are adorned with seven tattered rags, marked by traces of lived experience. They expose fissures in the institution of marriage and metaphorically “air the dirty laundry.” The title of the work plays on the double meaning of the Russian word “пол” — signifying both “floor” and “gender”, — and wryly comments on lingering traditions: floor rags are still typically the domain of a particular gender — the female one.
Positioned on nearly invisible thin threads, the work appears to float in the air. Though the installation itself is static, it casts a dynamic shadow shaped by two separate light sources — like two contrasting perspectives. The fabric moves subtly, almost imperceptibly, noticeable only by observing the ghostly dance of shadows behind the objects.
Positioned on nearly invisible thin threads, the work appears to float in the air. Though the installation itself is static, it casts a dynamic shadow shaped by two separate light sources — like two contrasting perspectives. The fabric moves subtly, almost imperceptibly, noticeable only by observing the ghostly dance of shadows behind the objects.
Rags
Plastic, enamel, rags,
70- 250 cm, 2018
Plastic, enamel, rags,
70- 250 cm, 2018
Silken rags
This ironic contrast juxtaposition toys with the logic of luxury branding, which sells not mere objects, but emblems of cultural belonging
Printed on silk scarves are images of grimy, worn-out floor rags. This ironic contrast juxtaposition toys with the logic of luxury branding, which sells not mere objects, but emblems of cultural belonging. In such a system, conventional beauty or utility is secondary — it is the iconic markers of the brand that transfigure items into sacred objects of desire, whose value is beyond question. All the hallmarks of premium production are meticulously observed: fine materials, handcrafted details. Aurora Lotton hems each scarf by hand — both complying with the codes of luxury and, at the same time, subverting them by lending each object the intimate, human trace of the artist’s own hand.
This series grew out of her earlier work Gender Rags, continuing the investigation into gendered patterns of communication while introducing new connotations and a new medium. Luxury goods, especially due to their high cost, often serve as bargaining tools or tokens of negotiation in heterosexual relationships — functioning as gifts, but loaded with transactional meaning.
This series grew out of her earlier work Gender Rags, continuing the investigation into gendered patterns of communication while introducing new connotations and a new medium. Luxury goods, especially due to their high cost, often serve as bargaining tools or tokens of negotiation in heterosexual relationships — functioning as gifts, but loaded with transactional meaning.
Reprint objects
Color: dirty rags
Composition: 100% silk
Country of production: Russia, 2019
Color: dirty rags
Composition: 100% silk
Country of production: Russia, 2019