Refusions

Introduction

REFUSIONS - Collages assembled on cardboard backing using refuse and scrap elements assembled in a subconscious manner. The medium is defiled with permanent marker through the practice of automatic writing. The resulting shapes often bear an abstract resemblance to human forms, particularly in an entranced or mystic state. One goal of this is to merge spiritual and popular art — each refusion is layered with cut outs of song titles from mixtapes by unknown authors. The song titles are chosen for aesthetic and subconscious appeal. This is in contrast to my earlier sound works which reappropriated titles of popular songs for conscious, sentimental reasons. Here I am unfamiliar with many of the songs beyond their titles, i.e. “Runnin’ Blind”, “Girl From The Country”. Various elements of refuse are utilized — dead leaves of houseplants, cigarette ash, hair are sealed with shipping tape on the cardboard backing. This is also informed by Gen Ken Montgomery’s Ministry of Lamination studies. In a private conversation he detailed one wild “lamination party” which took place in Berlin during the early 1990s. Partygoers took turn laminating birthday cake, even the hair of a pet monkey someone brought to the event. It is almost a cryogenic study to preserve refuse. - July 9 2025 MJE

Clarifications on the idea of refuse can be provided upon inquiry, any interested parties may feel free to contact the e-mail address at the bottom of this page