Alexandra Cumiskey, The Grab and Drop, 2019.
10' x 8'
Installation.
This installation piece is made out of wood, cardboard, lights, styrofoam, tin foil, curtains, and acrylic paint.
I decided to create a larger than life claw machine that audience members can interact with.
From the exterior, one sees a fun carnival themed claw machine. Upon entering, a giant claw is in the middle with a speaker playing stories of sexual assault victims. Only one audience member is allowed into the installation at a time.
The concept is that the claw is the predator, that can be controlled from the outside of the box. Being inside the installation one feels like they are 'just an object' inside a claw machine, anxious to be grabbed by the player.
On the wall is a shelf that reads "Put a sticky note on the wall if you are a victim of sexual assault". Anonymously, people are able to share their story.
The purpose behind this installation is to raise awareness towards sexual assault victims. In those moments, one can feel so alone. By coming together and seeing other people's stories, a victim can feel stronger and connected to a community. Raising awareness.