'Land of Laundries'

Land of Laundries is an installation that takes an ironic look at the symbolism and traditions of washday. Seven pairs of bronzed arms are trapped in pillories, each engaged in a laundry task: soaping, pegging, folding, and ironing. The pillories form a circle, indicating the repetitive nature of the work, and are linked by textiles embroidered with theories and superstitions. Generated over the centuries, these stories judge the skills and personality of the laundress. Washing, it seems, remains largely women’s work.