Steps of the Embedded

Staircase with concrete steps and metal handrail, seen from above in a minimalistic, modern interior with exposed concrete wall.

My title for this series of 3D printed bas-refiefs is in reference to the “old wounds” that have resurfaced due to the university’s mismanagement as institutional issues lead to research into its past.

repurposing liminal spaces

The work is very loosely in reference to Sarah Ahmed’s book Complaint! as it was her book that introduced me to the repurposing of liminal spaces, such as stairs, for informal meetings of solidarity between lecturers and PHD students in relation to alleged sexual assault by senior lecturers.

I feel it is important to acknowledge the longevity of my institution’s bureaucratic problems that are wider than only financial.

These embedded issues follow a latent logic as the poor handling of the PHD students’ cases will reappear when my institution’s logistics fail.

A metal sculpture depicting a detailed industrial staircase and building structure, mounted on a white wall under a staircase.
A white textured wall sculpture of multiple staircases and landings arranged in a geometric pattern.
A metal sculpture of an industrial staircase and piping hangs from the ceiling, secured by a metal rod with bolts in a white-walled room.