The Smile on her Face

A small knitted washing machine with a flashing light that vibrates and makes a spinning cycle noise.  Placed on a shelf with the plug and flex hanging down, the washing machine rattles around in its space.  The inspiration came from an essay The Washing Machine by Jane Graves (The Gendered Object, ed. Pat Kirkham), which talks about the washing machine being the stand in for the mother as it carries on working when she goes out.  It preserves order through endless repetition, it is a labour saving device, it is the justification of the existence of the housewife.  But far from doing this quietly in the corner of the room I find that my washing machine is very demanding.  The spin cycle is very noisy, lights flash and when it has finished it beeps constantly demanding my attention.  

Dischcloth cotton, cardboard, light, vibrator, 2012

Detail