I had to fantasize to survive

just between us

I had to fantasize to survive

A multimedia piece, ‘I had to fantasize to survive’ explores the reflection of body and self, fantasy and reality. Made up of paint, clay, plaster cast and wigs, ‘I had to fantasize to survive’ delivers us notions of femininity within the grotesque and uncomfortable. Beastly humanoid faces and fleshy colours combine with the texture of the piece to create a visceral rendering of the human form.

Much of this piece is taken from the Freaky Deeks performance at Fruit Salad, a cabaret act exploring and subverting gender and body norms. The entire right figure is based on Ellie’s appearance during the show, with cake topper taken too from the performance. The recycling of material and imagery maintains a cyclical nature in Ellie’s practice, as well as an industriousness with limited materials.