Urban Life Guard - Ambulatory Sleeping Linen

Studio Orta - 0806
Studio Orta - 0807_b.jpg
Studio Orta - 0807_a.jpg

Date: 2002
Ref: 0806 - 0807
Materials: Reconditioned military campbed, steel, diverse textiles, webbing, silkscreen print, aluminum aramtures
Dimensions: 70 x 65 x 195cm
Catalogued: pp 74-75 Lucy + Jorge Orta Antarctica, Electa ISBN 9788837060879
Exhibition history: 2004 Lothringer 13, Munich
Courtesy: Private Collection

Since 2002, Lucy Orta has been experimenting with Red Cross army surplus articles, stitching and incorporating bivouacs and overalls onto the linen canvases of camp-beds and first-aid stretchers. The rigid frames of the beds act as a framing device and their former function takes on a new meaning as the body is made more visible through the fabric additions. The figures seem to be supported by the frames of the beds, or supporting others – “Life Guard”, the body is also a fragile structure in need of warmth and protection.