Mixed media collage based on chapter 21, “The Hanged Man”, from the short novel, Queef, by Casey Moran.
24” x 24” tabletop
Materials: up-cycled metal outdoor café table, 1” steel tubing frame, mixed media collage on panel, poured resin top.
In the Tarot, The Hanged Man is a symbol of suspension, a life caught between decision or fate, also a life at a crossroads.
In this chapter, Sam wrestles with his identity and sexuality, trying to connect with those in his company, discerning between genuine affection and caring vs sexual attraction. Betrayal, disappointment, self-consciousness and lust bedevil him during this portion of his journey, leading him to try on behaviors he does not like and also to succumb to desire only to realize disappointment and disconnection. Sex and love are not mutually exclusive. All the while, his yearning to communicate with his sister anchors him in his need for connection. He stumbles upon a tarot reading that excites the potential for immediate contact with her. The opportunity is quickly snatched away and he is left wondering.
Collage Legend:
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-All the images in this table refer directly to events or places described in chapter 21 of Queef. The book takes place in New London County between New London and Norwich.
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The Thames River watershed map underlies the square image defining the setting for the novel.
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Anatomical images of hearts from encyclopedias and the girl scout symbol refer to the girl scout hospitalized in this chapter.
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The vintage image of the boy scout, altered to be the hanged man dangles with a smile, head pointed at the water
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A lone chair floats in the black, star strewn sky tethered to a rivulet that connects to the larger water.
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In the white border are the letters and numbers from the Ouija board painted in Captain Howdy font.
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Layered over the collage are copper wire word fragments, indicating efforts at conversation and connection across a table.