Emily DiMaio

A Study of Recitation 101

2014 

Wood

70"x 78"x36"

For this piece, I originated with the idea that cave paintings were one of the earliest forms of communication and expression within a community.  I noticed that the writing and doodles on the desks particularly in Recitation 101 were achieving a similar level of expression representative of a modern community.  Bringing the two concepts together, I made letters out of wire and branded my findings into the commonly known shape of a student desk hung in a way that forces the viewer to look up close and experience the smell of the burnt wood.  The anonymity of those carving into the desks resulted in mostly vulgar forms of expressions and cries for help.