Inanimate Autopsy 2006
A “pathophysiologist” and his assistant enter the space pushing a gurney on casters. They slowly guide the subject towards the autopsy table centered in the shot. The men, outfitted in authentic medical garb, handle the recently deceased with extreme care. The two doctors transfer the body to the table and proceed to remove the body bag, rolling the subject onto its side when necessary. Completely exposed, the subject reveals itself to be a black-leather recliner. Unhindered by this revelation, the doctor continues to follow protocol, beginning with an external evaluation. He confirms the patient’s identity, verifying a correspondence between medical charts and the toe-tag attached to the chair. After evaluating the subject’s lymph glands and examining its rectal cavity, the practitioner leaves the scene only to return seconds later with surgical garb and additional protective gear in place. A “y” incision is made and the chair’s epidermis is delicately peeled back. As the process is continued, all membrane, tissue, and bowels are placed into a stainless steel bowl at the base of the cadaver. With the help of his assistant, the two rigorously work on the subject removing all entrails and escorting them off screen for further evaluation. This process persists until an empty cavity is centered on the display.
edited projection component of installation
actual length 19 minutes 22 seconds