Bedtime Stories for Oankali, 2023; pantyhose, beach balls, plastic balls, stuffing, synthetic fur, mixed fabrics, silicon nipples, thread, fishing line; Installation dimensions variable, this part approx. 20' x 8' x 10'
"Bedtime Stories" presents an otherworldly art installation that captures the intricate and profound relationship between the Oankali and humanity. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Octavia Butler's visionary Oankali, creatures renowned for their symbiotic and transformative interactions with other species, this installation invites viewers to ponder the complexities of coexistence, transformation, and survival.
The installation features elongated forms made from translucent pantyhose stretched over bulbous shapes. These forms are interspersed with fur-like textures that mimic the Oankali's sensory tentacles, suggesting a fusion of the organic and the crafted. Intricate veins of cotton yarn weave throughout, symbolizing the Oankali's neurological and biological integration with their environments.
Nipples protruding through the fabric serve as metaphors for the Oankali's nurturing yet genetically driven imperative to merge with and alter other life forms. These elements combined create a visual dialogue about the interplay of creation and alteration, themes central to the Oankali's existence.
This installation is not merely a passive exhibit; it is an immersive encounter. It beckons viewers to walk around and between the forms, inviting a physical and contemplative engagement with the art. As visitors navigate the space, they engage with the idea of the Oankali's return—not as conquerors, but as ancient kin seeking reconciliation and perhaps redemption with a changed Earth.
"Bedtime Stories" is an homage to the Oankali's philosophy of life, emphasizing that survival is never without change. It challenges us to reflect on what it means to be human and what we might gain—or lose—in the process of our own evolution.
Bedtime Stories for Oankali, 2023; pantyhose, beach balls, plastic balls, stuffing, synthetic fur, mixed fabrics, silicon nipples, thread, fishing line; Installation dimensions variable, this part approx. 9' x 8' x 3'
Bedtime Stories for Oankali, 2023; alternate display. Installation dimensions variable, this version approx. 9' x 8' x 3'
