POUND OF FLESH

How can we operate like this?

Pound Of Flesh, 2010 & 2026
Exotic skin, bag hardware and surgical equipment
Unique works (set of 20)
Various sizes
© Mark Humphrey

“POUND OF FLESH OPERATES ON LUXURY LEATHER GOODS AS THOUGH THEY WERE HUMAN BODIES IN SURGERY. EXOTIC SKINS ARE CUT OPEN AND EXAMINED, EXPOSING WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE OF OBJECTS THAT SIGNIFY WEALTH AND STATUS. IN THE OPERATING THEATRE, LUXURY BECOMES IRRELEVANT WHEN LIFE IS THREATENED; WHAT MATTERS IS LIFE.

THE DISSECTED CLUTCH BAGS, PURSES AND WALLETS TRANSFORM NATURAL FORMS – BUTTERFLIES, ORCHIDS, TULIPS AND OYSTERS – INTO OBJECTS OF LUXURY. STRIPPED BARE AND LEFT EMPTY, THEY EXPOSE WHAT REMAINS WHEN POSSESSIONS LOSE THEIR VALUE. THE TITLE CARRIES ITS DOUBLE MEANING: ‘POUND’ AS WEIGHT AND CURRENCY, ‘FLESH’ AS BOTH HUMAN AND ANIMAL. WHAT ARE WE PREPARED TO SACRIFICE TO ELEVATE OURSELVES?”

Mark Humphrey 

Oyster Clutch Bag no3, 2010 & 2026
Ostrich skin, bag hardware and surgical equipment
Unique work
H10 x W15 x D5cm
© Mark Humphrey