Life Guard - OrtaWater

Studio Orta - 0920
Studio Orta - 0920
Studio Orta - 0920

Date: 2005
Ref: 0900
Materials: Military Stretcher bed, coated cotton, aluminium water gourds, webbing, acrylic paint
Dimensions: 57w x 8 x 248h cm
Exhibition history: 2013 Yorkshire Sculpture Park, UK
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.