maria joranko
Rita
Rita
2017
Referencing narratives from the last century, including those from Rita Hayworth to Ana Mendieta, Joranko recontextualizes these narratives to discern her contemporary identity as a latina artist. Through manipulation of and interaction with her immediate environment, she attempts to connect past and current realities in order to locate herself as a transplant in a strange yet familiar landscape. Activating land to body metaphors, Joranko’s work performs ritualistically and betrays her longing for security, freedom, and asylum from the realities of inhabiting an unwelcome body in unsafe spaces.
This body of work is site-specific and exists in a place in which I found a place of safe haven, healing, and emotional refuge.
Armor Amor I
Windshield glass on steel frames, Dresses are size retail 4,
2017
Dresses made from shattered windshields and constructed through tension hang from the trees in an effort to keep from tearing themselves apart.
Armor Amor II
2017
Projection on trees and a mound of earth
To Bring You My Love I
2017
size variable
frozen shea butter disco boot sweats and condensates on a cinderblock, wax candles. Love to Love You Baby by Donna Summer plays from within
Incendiary Brunette
2017
Projection on garage, artist performing from Rita Hayworth films, size variable
Roses, 55in tv with video and partially filled earth with 6 white roses, hole is about 5 ft 3 in long, 6 inches unfilled, 2017
