< FORM > OVER FUNCTION A Presentation by Jessica Jacobi

My Interpretation of this theme: Form Over Function The visual form becomes more important than the working function. I chose to focus my selected works on pieces that involved the form and functions of the human body. Implication of Function The works chosen are actually functional, or at least suggest that they are, playing off of traditional notions of functional objects.

A VERY HEAVY AND EXPENSIVE HAT: The Imperial State Crown weighs over 2 lbs, and contains 1000s of precious and historic gemstones. The crown has been slightly altered in design many times, but the stately and traditional form, along with the heavy but impressive wealth of precious materials, speaks to the status of the British monarchy. Artist: Garrard & Co. Title: Imperial State Crown Media: gold, gemstones, velvet, Ermine fur Year: 1953 version

CLOTHING THAT CHANGES THE BODY: The corset has been used for centuries to augment a woman’s figure. The corset compresses and can even deform a woman’s bones, organs, and entire body. Corsets are restricting, and the act of wearing one places the visual form of the body at a higher priority than the healthful functioning. Artist: Unknown Description: An English corset Media: textiles, whale bone, metal findings, laces Year: 1850s

JEWELRY THAT CHANGES THE BODY: The Kayan cultures in Burma have traditionally had the women wear necklace coils to elongate the neck. The neck coils are worn from a young age and the coil is periodically replaced with a longer one. The coils compress the collar bone and rib cage, creating the illusion of a longer neck. This does not enhance the body’s strength; rather, it is the desired aesthetic form that is ensued. Artist: Sir George Scott Description: A Kayan woman wearing neck coils Media: photograph Year: 1922

and forms challenge our traditional expectations for rings. Artist: Marjorie Schick Title: Band of Rings Media: wood, paint Year: 1980s SCULPTURAL RINGS: These rings are functional, in that they fit over the fingers. However, their scale and forms challenge our traditional expectations for rings.

JEWELRY THAT CHANGES THE BODY: The women of the Mursi culture in Ethiopia place clay plates into their lower lips in order to stretch and enlarge them. This is a cultural form or desire and attractiveness, and it symbolizes wealth. The body alteration that results from the clay plates places the visual form of the bottom lip over its typical function. Description: Ethiopian Mursi woman, wearing lip plate Media: Clay plate inserted into the lip to stretch it. Year: Photo taken in 2011.

JEWELRY THAT CONTROLS THE BODY: The brooch is worn under the armpit. It contains a sack filled with heavily scented petroleum jelly. If the wearer does not want to get “slimed”, then she must correct her posture. The jewelry’s form, as well as it’s interactive function, are given higher priority than the traditional expectation of wearing a brooch that does not interfere with your body movements. Artist: Jessica Jacobi Title: Refresh Media: Copper, fragrance, petroleum jelly Year: 2009

What the group shows…