Ruup & Form Presents ‘Whisper Your Loud Roots’ by Kerry Lemon
30 May 2024
Ruup & Form is delighted to present Whisper Your Loud Roots, an innovative performance by artist Kerry Lemon as part of her MRS ROE project. Lemon's concept of painting Tansy plants on her body using a paste of white icing sugar and water is rich with symbolism and layered meanings, weaving together historical, cultural, and personal narratives to offer a profound exploration of femininity, resilience, and societal expectations.
Historically, Tansy plants have been utilised for their medicinal properties, particularly in relation to women's health. This historical usage brings forth themes of care, healing, and the role of women as nurturers and healers. The hardy nature of Tansy plants symbolises strength and endurance, presenting a stark contrast to the delicate sweetness of icing sugar. This juxtaposition reflects the balance between the outward gentleness expected of femininity and the inner strength required to uphold it. The use of white icing sugar introduces layers of cultural and emotional symbolism. Sweetness is often associated with femininity—gentle, pleasing, and delicate. . However, sugar also embodies the dual themes of desire and denial. It represents indulgence and temptation, yet society imposes strict expectations on women to control and suppress their appetites and desires. Painting on the body directly engages with the idea of the body as a site of personal and cultural inscription. This act transforms the body into a canvas where layers of meaning are meticulously added.
Scheduled to be presented during our exhibition ‘Porcelain Dreams’, as the smooth, white surface of icing sugar can evoke the delicate, lustrous quality of porcelain. This draws a parallel between the crafted beauty of porcelain and the cultivated appearance of femininity. Porcelain has historically been a luxury item, often associated with purity and high social status, mirroring how idealized femininity is often constructed within society. This duality of sweetness and restraint resonates with the delicate and resilient nature of porcelain, which, while beautiful and fragile, also signifies strength and endurance through its ability to withstand time.
The act of painting Tansy plants with a sugary paste becomes a metaphor for the intricate and sometimes fragile beauty imposed by societal standards.
About Ruup & Form
Ruup & Form is a contemporary London based gallery, an ever-evolving, dynamic platform dedicated to the progression of artistic expression. Ruup & Form emphasises on collectible craft and design, one-of-a-kind pieces with a story, and modern products created by independent designers and design studios worldwide.
The gallery's programme includes group and solo exhibitions, art fairs, performances, talks, readings, and happenings.
For more information and all enquiries, email hello@ruupandform.com
Opening Hours
Wednesday - Saturday, 12-6 pm
Note: This performance contains nudity, explores complex and challenging themes, and will be filmed.