Louise Bourgouis and Annette Messenger

This week I have been researching a range of different puppets- from ventriloquist dolls, stuffed dolls, marionettes and many more- all of these puppets conforming to this very creepy, and unsettling appearance. However, upon my research I discovered the fascinating work of both Louise Bourgeous and Annette Messenger. Both who have also created these extremely abnormal, yet mesmerising stuffed puppets in their work. 

Here are some of the puppets made by Louise Bourgeois.

'Seven in a Bed' - 2001. 

This composition is titled 'Seven in a Bed' made in 2001- depicting around seven puppets all bundled together in a bed, kissing and cuddling each other. As strange as it may first appear to the viewer, there is something remarkably beautiful about this image- possibly its the vibrant salmon colour of their skin, or how this composition is essentially a celebration of love. I noticed that the heads in this composition are all sewn together, and some of these puppets appear to have two heads. I found that this connection of all the heads together,  could be potentially be suggesting a time lapse of a couple who have moved around in bed together for a long period of time. 

The Reticent Child- 2004. 

This was possibly one of my favourites out of Bourgouis's puppet series- depicting a woman giving birth. The reason I love this image is the peaceful expression on her face- Bourgeois has turned something that is actually extremely painful and distressing- but turned it into this peaceful act of nature- which is how it's essentially supposed to be perceived. But there is also a great oddness to this image, and I find it quite humorous how the baby head just sticks out. 

Annette Messager 

Annette Messager born in 1943 is a visual artist from France. Messager is predominantly known for her installation work, which often incorporates photographs, prints and various materials. Message has also exhibited her work in many major museums, and won many prestigious awards- including  Praemium Imperiale International Arts Award and the Golden Lion Award. 

As one of the themes for my project is 'childhood', I knew that there wasn't anyone that fitted better than Annette Messager. Often described as 'The Puppet Master', Massager creates these amazing enchanting visual installations- using puppets. However, there is also something rather demonic about her puppet installations- the way the droop down, and are cut in such a fragmented way- potentially giving us snippets or 'fragments' of our childhood to us. 

I love the way that these installations hang from the ceiling in such a way- which empahsises this child-like experience for us, as everything is heigh up in the air.