Christine Kennedy
Working Note 'Dusting The Mae West Memorial Library' explores a small incident from the life of a twentieth century movie icon as a site of resistance. In 1927, Mae West served a short sentence in a women's correctional facility after being charged with violating public decency with her play Sex. The life stories of her fellow inmates (prostitutes, drug addicts, robbers and shoplifters) prompted her to write an article about them on her release. She donated her fee so that a prison library could be founded for the women. Dusting The Mae West Memorial Library (Requires IE 5.5 or better) Depending on your internet connection and modem speed, the work may take up to 20 minues to load. It is best viewed by switching your browser to a full screen setting, and should run as a continuous silent animation of pictures and text, lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Bio: Christine Kennedy is a writer and artist based in Sheffield (UK). Her recent publications include contributions to In Place Of An Object (CFAR/Aldgate Press, 2000) and RSE 4pack No 4: Renga+ (Reality Street Editions, 2002); and the solo chapbook Possessions (The Cherry On The Top Press, 2003). Her most recent exhibit was appearing after death: muslin outer form for Katie King, in the group show 10x10x10, curated by UTK at Bloc Studios, Sheffield (2003). |