My Body is a Temple of Gloom2021Commissioned by Wellcome Collection
My Body is a Temple of Gloom is an installation as part of the Tranquility Exhibition for the Wellcome Collection's On Happiness season that critiques the wellness industry and careless acts of self care. Beginning with Sara Ahmed's text The Promise of Happiness the work brings your attention to who has access to happiness and how objects can become 'bad' or 'good' depending on their proximity to whiteness. The space has a veil of falsity with its oversized faux crystal lamp and faux burning stack of Palo Santo, commodities that circulate the wellness industry and often come from sacred, indigenous practices and unethical means. Archive footage of white and brown bodies perform yoga on separate screens in sometimes mesmerizing, sometimes sickly choreographies. A stereotypical soundtrack, yoga matt seating and guided meditation add to the pseudo-yoga studio feel, inviting you to spend time in the space and contemplate.
