I am / Am I
machine-stitched hospital bracelets, acrylic paint, monofilament
Based on volunteer work with hospice patients with dementia, I AM / AM I asks viewers to feel uncomfortable and uncertain as they consider how loss of memory and loss of identity are related. The piece is comprised of more than one thousand hospital bracelets, each stitched using a sewing machine without thread, leaving only the puncture mark of the needle behind. As viewers enter the site-specific installation, the bracelets are transparent and declarative, stitched with the phrase "I am." As viewers continue into the space, the installation width becomes narrower and the bracelets become opaque as they ask a question instead: "Am I?"
Image Descriptions:
Image 1: Full view of installation. Dozens of strands of hospital bracelets dangle from the ceiling, creating a curved curtain of translucent plastic.
Image 2: Detail viewing looking from the bottom of the installation upwards. The holes of the hospital bracelets — where they connect around a wrist — are visible. The bracelets have illegible text from this view, and are painted white.
Image 3: Megan stands inside the installation — between two walls of dangling strands of hospital bracelets. She looks up and towards the right.
Image 4: Detail shot of the bracelets. Text is legible on one bracelet and reads, “I AM” These bracelets are all clear, unpainted plastic.
Image 5: Detail shot of the bracelets. Text is legible on one bracelet and reads, “Am I” These bracelets are all white, painted plastic.
Image 6: Viewer stands inside the installation, reading the bracelets.