Variegated Heros

The costumes in this group are inspired by the materials –variegated acrylic yarn- and my responses to daily events. Variegated yarn has multiple colors on the strand of yarn, generally in bright colorful groupings. Some are reminiscent of camouflage, while others a fire, or a sunset on a beach. Still others contain associations to the American flag or other cultural references. Naftaman started with red white and blue variegated yarn – a tribute to the flag and patriotism – and adds to that a color combination called “Mexicali”. These two palettes of yarn attempt to embody the qualities of a country and its symbols and I use them to raise questions about those portrayals as well as the tenor of discussion about patriotism, trade, and immigration.

The E,A,F, and W-Man costumes use color combinations that make reference to transcendent natural experience - sunset, ocean beaches, foliage - to evoke the four elemental qualities described in ancient philosophy, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These four classical natural elements become the superpower for the hero while the inexpensive plastic yarns they are made of contradict such aspirations.


A-Man. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2009. 80" x 23" x 6"


E-Man. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2009. 80" x 23" x 6"


F-Man. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2009. 80" x 23" x 6"


Naftaman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2009. 80" x 23" x 6"


Valuesman. Hand knit acrylic and buttons. 2008. 80" x 23" x 6"