REBIRTHDAY

2024 - 2025

handmade mesh head target, surgery hospital gown, bond paper, acrylic paint, thrifted shapewear bodysuit, masking tape, plastic wrap, repurposed pillow fluff

22 x 70 x 15 in.

This is the hospital gown I had my masculinizing double mastectomy / top surgery in— the top when un-velcroed at the shoulders exposes a picture of my pre-surgery chest folded neatly and tucked under a shapewear unitard oer my heart. A tapecast of my post-op body lies on the floor depicting the lack of help and support I had at this time. The mesh target covering the head is borrowed from a previous project depicting how my body feels in public spaces as a trans person, and survivor of sexual abuse.

When I woke up from surgery, I was loopy chatting to my partner and the care team. The nurse asked if my feet were cold and I stuck my foot up and said “tootsies!” and suggested the design of tootsie roll slippers. I don’t remember it well, though I remember us all laughing. So happy, the unburdening of my heart from DDD breasts. This sculpture made itself, inherently embodying some of the loneliest and obscure times in my transition