Event detail
Scalping is the act of removing the scalp, or a portion of the scalp, either from a dead body or another living person. The initial purpose was to provide a trophy of battle or portable proof of a combatant's prowess in war. Eventually, the act became motivated primarily for financial reasons; payment received per scalp acquired.
The Scythian soldier scrapes the scalp clean of flesh and softening it by rubbing between their hands, uses it thenceforth as a napkin. The Scyth is proud of these scalps and hangs them from his bridle rein; the greater the number of such napkins that a man can show, the more highly is he esteemed among them. Many make themselves cloaks by sewing a quantity of these scalps together.
Jack Cheetham’s sculptures for this exhibition are committed to the idea of the Trophy. Exploring his process of making sculpture - taking trophies from a playful battle with the everyday.replica, a timeless version, further abstracted and dislocated from the authentic source but still baring its vague memory, ready to be recalled for potential future ritual.
