THE BLANKET

2020 - ongoing

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The Blanket is an ongoing process and performance of knitting the common and iconic white plastic bag with red "Thank you" lettering.

 

I started knitting in March 2020 when plastic bags were banned in New York State. The plastic bags I knit are the ones I have hoarded at my local supermarket.

 

Through this performance, I question if banning plastic bags means we will actually stop using them? And I wonder if I stop knitting them, how long will the knitted object be when it's finally finished?

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The performance underlines how difficult it can be to change habits. By creating an object that resembles a blanket that traditionally offers comfort, I reveal my own hesitation and struggle to stop using plastic bags in my daily life. The comfortable relationship to the object obliterates the necessity to rid our society of an object that is more harmful than useful.

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The Blanket has accompanied me on my trips over the years. I have documented these trips by creating more than 50 short videos. Often tinged with humor, these videos demonstrate that plastic is everywhere and knows no borders. 

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