Consent Talismans
Jenna Macy

April 10 – May 7, 2021

Aupuni Space is pleased to present Consent Talismans, a solo exhibition by Jenna Macy. Eight ceramic and neon sculptures explore different phases in the half-life deterioration and transformation of emotional and physical trauma in the body. The material forms of the pieces are intentionally confusing, at times evoking the warmth and softness of a neck hug, at other times riffing off sex toys and the realm of kink. Although appearing soft and fibrous, they are hard ceramic cast from water wings: flotation devices which function as training wheels while threatening to sink someone before they can float on their own.

The movement from toxic intimate relationships into healthier ones often involves carrying around trauma, sometimes as a badge of honor, and learning how to shed that psychic weight. These objects, both comforting and ritualistic, offer up a humanifestation of the healing process that involves humor and play at every step.

Jenna Macy’s multimedia work often develops from sardonic observation, comparing human behavior to mating rituals as they might appear in a nature documentary. Born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, she completed her BFA at Maryland Institute College of Art (2016) and is currently completing an MFA (2021) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Macy is the recipient of the Windgate Fellowship from the Center for Craft Creativity and Design in North Carolina (2017) and has exhibited at the Kerrie Lowe Gallery, Sydney, Australia.