Patrick Traer’s Baby Blue Balls, (2002 plywood, cotton, cardboard, polyurethane foam batting, vinyl, zippers, covered buttons, stainless steel buckle and chain)
These are some kind of soft product- it seems that a structure was made (the plywood, cotton, cardboard, polyurethane foam batting), and then covered with baby blue vinyl, and covered buttons sewn in an irregular pattern around the outside. The zippers are on the inside, so probably the exterior “bag” can be removed to expose the interior structure.
This piece references male genitalia, scrotums, balls, punching bags, and the contrast between expected masculine toughness and the sensitivity of blue balls. It brings up all kinds of imagery surrounding masculinity, gross sexuality, feminine qualities as an insult to masculinity, and emasculation. Blue Balls (according to Urban Dictionary) is “the excrutiating pain a man receives when his balls swell to the size of coconuts because of lack of sex, unfinished bjs, and just not cummin when he knows he should.” Seems juvenile.
These are just hanging from the ceiling of the gallery, completely out in the open, close to the escalators. So the artist puts this uncomfortable yet private thing on display, it’s a little (for a temporary condition that’s often exaggerated) bombastic. It demands attention. They’re HUGE and curious looking things. Very strange. And a little voyeuristic.
I think this would make a funny handbag. Just one of the many strange and interesting pieces at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
2 Comments
Super interesting evaluation, hm.
Twitter: artistkatanab
Yay! I’m glad you think so.
If one had these made as handbags, would you carry one? I’ve been debating with myself weather or not I would have the metaphorical balls to wear this in public as a handbag.