PARACENTESIS

Blown glass, vinyl tubing, pumps, dyed water, vegetable oil, 9in x 4in x 5in, 2021

Blown glass vessel referencing the medical procedure of Paracentesis witnessed by the artist in operation on one of her close friends. The liquids pumped through the tubing reference the oily, yellow liquid leaking from his abdominal area into a clear bag, connected by a tube injected into him. This effect is achieved through two submersible pumps within a single tank, attached by a tee valve pumping vegetable oil and dyed water around the piece. Due to vegetable oil’s lower density than water, the vegetable oil pump is raised about six inches above the water pump, and the vegetable oil sits on top of the water in the tank, allowing the system to flow continuously. This work violates the interior and exterior boundaries of the body, displaying the medical realities of a body in decay.