Carapace

Project Description:

Carapace is part of a series of sculptures made from semi-translucent blue silicone casts attached to a ribcage-like metal structure for support. To create the sculptures, bulletproof vests are moulded and the casts are joined together to resemble the protective outer armour of animals and insects. The sculptures respond to inquiries of: what would the biological armour of a militarized police force look like? What would be left behind during the process of moulting? Michelle contradicts defensive solidity by creating a soft and malleable shell out of an aggregate of protective equipment. The reversal of the vests function will unsettle the language of protection used by police forces and highlights the discrepancies between hard and soft social functions.

Artist: Michelle Cieloszczyk

Michelle Cieloszczyk is a Toronto-based visual artist. She holds a BFA in Sculpture/Installation from OCAD University. She has won several awards including the Haydn Davies Memorial Award, Best of 3D Works Award and the Most Innovative Use of Material Award at TOAF. She won the 2017 First Capital Realty Sculpture Competition; her public sculpture, CAN, was commissioned for 85 Hanna Avenue in Toronto. Michelle has received grants from TAC, OAC, and CCA. She has exhibited at Xpace Cultural Centre, Good Sport Gallery, the plumb, Propeller Gallery, Elora Sculpture Project, Nuit Blanche TO, London Culture Days, Long Winter, Yorkville Village Arts Festival, Red Head Gallery, and Main StrCarapace is part of a series of sculptures made from semi-translucent blue silicone casts attached to a ribcage-like metal structure for support. To create the sculptures, bulletproof vests are moulded and the casts are joined together to resemble the protective outer armour of animals and insects. The sculptures respond to inquiries of: what would the biological armour of a militarized police force look like? What would be left behind during the process of moulting? I am interested in contradicting defensive solidity by creating a soft and malleable shell out of an aggregate of protective equipment. The reversal of the vests function will unsettle the language of protection used by police forces and highlights the discrepancies between hard and soft social functions.