Laura Splan

Surface Tension

PROJECTS: Viral Artifacts

2011
graphite and soap residue on claybord
18"H x 24"W x 2"D each

Surface Tension alludes to the invisible worlds that are at play as we wash our hands. Drawings of hands and microbes underlie a latent image of bubbles rendered in foam hand soap. When applied to powdered graphite, the soap bubbles distribute the graphite in and around their own shapes. Once dried, the shape of each bubble is rendered in the graphite and soap residue. Each of the paintings depicts hands in a different position of hand washing as recommended by the World Health Organization. Renderings inspired by bacterial and viral microbes surround the hands.

©2011 Laura Splan
Commission for "Watching Hands", CDC Foundation in association with the Smithsonian Institution, Atlanta, GA