“During his controversial meeting with leaders of the G-7 less than two weeks ago, President Donald Trump allegedly threw two pieces of Starburst candies on the table in front of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, saying “Here, Angela. Don’t say I never give you anything.” — Newsweek, June 20, 2018

Candy Man (Mouth of Hell)
10,000 Starburst chews: Orange, Mango Melon, Lemon, and Fruit Punch flavors
96″ x 96″
2018-2020

The original version of Candy Man (Mouth of Hell) was constructed digitally in 2018. I assembled and scanned 100 pieces of Starburst chews at a time according to a pattern created by a cross-stitch pattern generator from a news photo, and then stitched each of those 100 scan together. It was very meditative work, placing each of the pieces of candy in exactly the right position. Besides being a slow-motion fu, the work became a critique of how America’s news media advantaged sensationalism over truth.

In 2020, I brought the work into the physical realm and actually sourced the 10,000 pieces of candy needed to realize the work. With the help of students from Herron School of Art + Design, the work was installed and on view for three days before the city shut down due to the pandemic.

 

(March 2020 installation)

 

 

 

 

(Detail scans, 2018)