Destruction and stressing of materials - Faux leather with insulated backing

Michael Landy is best known for his performance piece installation "Breakdown" in which he destroyed all of his personal objects. He made an inventory of everything he owned (7,227 items) and destroyed each one in a production line way, each stage the objects becoming more broken down.

Landy inspired work, destruction of materials, however, Landy used personal possessions to destroy,  whereas I am using found materials. Destruction of this material was done using scissors, taken to a point in which I could not physically do anymore due to pain in hands. 

Result of Restraint

These are the marks/drawings I made whilst reaching to touch the ceiling with different materials. I have also edited the images to see what effects they would give.

Original - Pen

Edited - Marks and indentations can be seen on this image.

Original - Crayon

Original - Paint

Edited - The marks on the image are more bold, and contrast well with the background.

Drawing Restraint - Influence

After a few tutorials this week I have been given many directions to take and artists to look at. I have chosen to look at Matthew Barney first. He created photos and videos from restraining himself whilst trying to make a drawing. The purpose of him doing this was to create resistance in his muscles, breaking them down, letting them heal, therefore making them stronger.

I have experimented with this technique, using materials etc that I have in my own home, however, I am creating work for a different purpose. Restraining myself, or not being able to do something easily frustrates me, and I wanted to create this experience for the viewer. I attached paper to the ceiling of my bedroom (which I cannot reach without step ladders) and photographed myself attempting to make marks on the paper with various materials by jumping and stretching. I experimented with camera effects in order to capture movement within the images. I feel this experiment was a success, however, I feel that I could push this idea further.