The Fall of the Monarchy Corset

The Fall of the Monarchy Corset

2013

25cm x 18cm x 36cm

Shattered glass, mirror-finish spray paint, ribbon, copper foil

This corset references the Hall of Mirrors within Versailles, and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy during the Revolution.  Though the Hall of Mirrors was never ransacked, it remains a fitting metaphor for the monarchy itself.  Gilded, beautiful to behold, but ultimately very fragile.  Additionally, the mirrored shards of this corset invoke John Berger again, in that the male gaze is reflected back upon the gazer, and he may see precisely how he observes the female.

Photography by Brenden Freedman