(comfort)

A Domestic History of Beverly, MA (comfort), an installation by Valerie Rafferty on view March 3 - March 29, 2009.

A discreet tribute to the community, (comfort) was constructed with materials that once belonged to the households of Beverly. Over the course of four months Rafferty collected pillows and seat cushions that had been left out for the trash. With the stuffing emptied at floor of the installation, the worn and tarnished fabrics are hung and displayed without garnish. While recording a material history, the work is also a testament to this cultural exchange between Montserrat students and the Beverly community.


"To be honest, I think it began as a reaction against painting itself. I began to notice that there was a trend at Montserrat toward painting and very modernist ideals. This frustrated me, as I was very interested in exploring other materials and ideas in other ways. I began as a painter and photographer and, in a roundabout way, I think the school forced me to question the use of certain materials and they way that materials and objects are typically used.

Frame 301 was a very challenging, yet rewarding space to work within. You basically have 14 inches of depth to move between the window and wall, making it very difficult to paint and install work. It became a completely performative experience for me. I had never been forced to work inside one of my pieces the way that I had to that day. I actually really think the window would lend itself to performance more than any other type of work because, as an artist, you are encased inside the space, yet completely on display for anyone and everyone to see. " Rafferty, March, 27 2009.

For more images and information visit: http://www.montserrat.edu/galleries/