Beverley Semmes

Beverley Semmes is an artist who creates a very diverse range of work that incorporates several different aspects including sculpture, textiles, time based, and site specific art. The works that Semmes creates that are most connected to the body are costumes that elongate to create large scale shapes of fabric. In some instances these costumes are simply displayed hanging in a gallery while others are captured in photograph being worn by a subject. Semmes incorporates performance into the photographs by choosing sites that form a connection to the costumes and creating narratives. Through her costumes Semmes provides social commentary about issues of the body and feminine image.

Cornelia Walking in the Formal Garden in the Pink Feather Coat and Hedge Hat

1988

This image is a still from a film that Semmes made of a friend wearing one of her costumes. The film was made in the garden of a psychiatric hospital where Semmes was living and working. The coat was made from window screening and pink feathers. Semmes idea was to create a costume that would make the wearer become a part of the garden.