White Boxes – JoAnna Ruckman

Inheritance is a Privilege and Privilege is an Inheritance

Etta, 2018. Heirloom garment, hair, cotton thread (Approx. 16”h x 22”w x 5”d)

Cora , 2018. Hair, heirloom bridesmaid’s dress, leather, cotton, thread (Approx. 42”h x 28”w x 8”d)

Grace, 2018. Heirloom apron, hair, cotton thread (Approx. 21”h x 44”w x 2”d)

Harriet, 2018. Heirloom garment, hair, lace, ribbon, cotton thread, dress hooks Dimensions Variable (Approx. 28”h x 18”w x 4”d)

Alma, 2018. Heirloom cotton dress, Hair, Hair ties (Approx. 30”h x 22”w x2”d)

Martha, 2018. Hair, hair ties, heirloom lace, cotton, thread (Approx. 22”h x 14”w x 4” d)

White Boxes Series

Women’s hair styles and textiles each embody a balance of protection and adornment, forming our exquisite armor. Inheritance is Privilege and Privilege is an Inheritance is a series of soft sculptures which considers this tension through corporeal adornments. Each piece stitches together hair with particular elements from inherited matrilinear garments, interlacing braids with personal heirlooms, as altars to historical and imagined heritage.