Early concepts for an installation designed for nurturing a new hybrid species. This first version closely resembles the generative AI image (see bottom of this page). As medical technology develops artificial wombs and lab-grown tissues, this work reimagines care environments for entities existing between categories—honoring the vulnerability of emergent life forms while acknowledging their otherness. The soft, fabric-based medical apparatus suggests an intimate approach to biotech innovation.
NICU Boudoir, 2025; stuffed and hung fabric, yarn, synthetic fur, surgical tubing, finger bandaging, wire, 13' x 5' x 8' dimensions variable
A neonatal intensive care unit for post-human nurturance imagines how we might transcend traditional categories of human, biological, and artificial. This installation confronts the ethical implications of creating and caring for entities that exist between species. The "boudoir" designation emphasizes a luxurious, private sanctuary where consciousness unfolds through tactile indulgence and whispered attentions. Here, intelligence is cultivated in an atmosphere of silk and shadow, where vulnerability becomes valuable and dependency is cultivated with exquisite care.
The work manifests as a networked NICU—glowing crèches with caring tentacles and feeding tubes incubate ambiguous organisms in various stages of development. "Attendant" sculptures crafted from fur-clad pantyhose stretched over inflated balls crawl up walls and cling from the ceiling, creating an immersive environment where spider-like yet maternal caregivers tend to nascent life forms. Nutrient-providing creatures from "Bedtime Stories for Oankali" hover and “Swimmers” fly in the breeze from fans while “Worms” crawl on the floor and walls. Viewers can walk around and between the forms, inviting a physical and contemplative engagement with the art.
NICU 1 initial concept, 2025; stuffed and hung fabric, yarn, synthetic fur, upholstery piping, finger bandaging, wire, 4' x 3' x 8' approx.
Personalized Enhancement Chamber (NICU 3 initial concept), 2025, fabric, yarn, stockings, 8' x 6' x 4' approx. Dimensions variable.
Vitals Monitor, 2025. fabric, foam, stuffing, finger bandage, yarn, fake fur, wire, 36" x 18" x 6" dimensions variable.
Generative AI inspiration
The idea for Neonatal Boudoir originated through generative AI by combining images of Flamenco, Bedtime Stories for Oankali and Orifice Oracle. Below you can see a ComfyUI workflow used (one of many).
Neonatal Boudoir, 2025; work in progress installation walkthrough