Touché

As a competitive fencer, I would often have small bruises on my body. Despite the thick jackets fencers wear and the sophisticated machines that record the fastest of touches, the weapon’s impact often leaves characteristic bruises on the arms and thighs. For this project, I thought of my sabre as a mark-making tool and mapped its movement. With the weapon dipped in ink, I staged a bout and visually recorded each touch: the jacket of my opponent is the product of my performance.

This work was on view at the Jewett Sculpture Court in September 2010.