Urban Life Guard - Ambulatory Sleeper

Studio Orta - 0801_01.jpg
Studio Orta - 0801_02

Date: 2002
Ref: 0801
Materials: Steel structure, wheels, Kevlar, aluminium coated polyamide, PVC, various fabrics, zippers, aluminium armature
Dimensions: 200x100x80cm
Catalogued: p84, Lucy Orta Body Architecture, Verlag Silke Schreiber 2003
Exhibition history: 2002 Borderline, Komische Oper Berlin, Germany; 2006 Château d'Avignon, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France
Courtesy: Lucy + Jorge Orta

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.