Inok Kalkwarf

My installations are based upon my memories and upon cultural symbols which represent important aspects of my life. It is my hope that people will take the experience I put into an installation and relate it to their own lives. All of the installation work is hand-sewn because I want to recreate the cultural meaning behind the finished form. The act of creation then becomes a part of the creation itself. It is a way for me to meditate on the cultural symbols and their meaning in our lives.

VIEWS

2007

“Genealogical Record Book” 13” x 11” x 2” Silk, colored pins, paper, paperboard

Each family keeps a record book which details the births, marriages, and deaths. It would be a huge and shameful disgrace if a woman were to get a divorce. She would be unwelcome in her married family’s book, and she would be written out of her father’s book. Where would she go?
I designed and constructed this book with beautiful primary colors and symbols, but the book is hollowed out inside because so many women fall for hollow promises.

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