transient solace
transient solace
Disaster blanket, embroidery floss, denim, neon reflective ribbon
90" x 60"
Statement
transient solace is a study on the viral presence of negative internal dialogue even when seeking forms of relief. It reflects a common mindset of blue-collar men, forced to contain emotional vulnerability under a guise of being “mentally tough.”
Comfort is momentary for those following the tenets of toxic masculinity, and like a blanket, it has to be folded away and become invisible in public. Like all systems on the verge of bursting, there are circumstances that force these self-deprecating thoughts to scatter, cover, and envelop what surrounds them.
The blanket is partially bandaged, and travels to sites that are in dialogue with manual labor, isolated post-work activity, and taking care of a pained body and mind. It recalls a moment of self-reflection, in spaces that hold the memory of those who hold constant pain and can’t seek the comfort of help. transient solace asks us to consider who is not advocating for their needs, and how we must overcome the rigid emotional barriers of masculinity to encourage dialogue, relief, and compassion.
