Oonagh MacCumhail: The Case of the Entered Novitiate

This vitrine holds a curious, almost archaeological display, featuring a human-like form crafted from various plastics and a collection of organic materials. The central figure, partially obscured and seemingly in repose, is composed of internally lubricated plastic and prosthetics, giving it a strangely lifelike yet artificial quality. Surrounding this figure are piles of earth and scattered potatoes, creating a stark contrast between the industrial and the natural. The clear acrylic case itself suggests a scientific specimen or a preserved artifact, inviting close examination of its unusual contents. This work, created in 2002, challenges our perceptions of the body, nature, and the boundaries between them, presenting a scene that feels both ancient and distinctly contemporary.