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Wraps

Artists use wraps to change the appearance of an object.

Wrapping has the effect of making something mysterious, and altering its function and purpose. A simple tin can is no longer a container but becomes a solid sculptural form, a sewing machine becomes a mysterious bulk.

Sometimes wrapping serves a symbolic function for the artist. Joseph Beuys often wraps objects with felt and fur – materials he associates with survival.

Artists have even wrapped themselves or other figures. Wraps can be used to bind figures or make a figure anonymous. It can also be used as a protection.

Disguise can also be seen as a form of ‘wrapping’ as people ‘wrap’ themselves in different clothes, make-up, and masks to change their appearance. In Confess All On Video. Don't Worry You Will Be in Disguise. Intrigued? Call Gillian (1994), artist Gillian Wearing invited people to talk about personal things while wrapped in a disguise.