Mourning Song

Installation, glazed ceramic, found textiles, mixed media, sound, social practice, 2024

The Guardhouse at Fort Mason, presented by For-Site

Mourning Song invites viewers to reflect on individual and collective grief, loss, and mourning while witnessing the horrors of war. The installation responds to the military origins of Fort Mason, an active military outpost from 1850-1962, by dressing the guard station with an installation of ceramic, textile, and mixed media works resembling medals, plaques, and other service decorations. Playing on the word “decoration,” I’ve incorporated components of domestic and bodily adornment into my ceramic sculptures, such as tassels, belts, and bling. Many of the pieces are physically connected through dark chains and braided hair—elements of Victorian mourning jewelry. These oversized awards are impossible to wear, much like the weight and burden that war creates. Emanating from the walls of The Guardhouse is a sound collage incorporating excerpts from my ongoing interviews with Veterans with anti-war songs of many genres. This installation poses open-ended questions about who is valued, creating a space on this former military site to foster dialogue, community, and healing.

Thanks so much to the For-Site team and Rubi Moore.

Learn more here

Photos by Shaun Roberts