The Enigma Machine (2004) is a sculptural installation involving physical animation, presented as part of my studio practice Master in Fine Art completed at Michaelis School of Art, University of Cape Town. Humanised domestic appliances performed their duties in a state of fragility, and reflected an overwhelming and conflicting experience of the home. On the one hand, sensual fabrics enacted a washing line fantasy, on the other, the threat of entanglement and instability created an uncertain space for the viewer. I extended the purpose and function of household appliances to become characters in a performance. The living, breathing space subverted the stability of the surroundings and pointed to an unconventional experience of the mundane.

The work was exhibited as a solo exhibition at Erdmann Contemporary in Cape Town and was presented in its entirety at the Brett Kebble Art Awards in Cape Town. The paper towel work Friday was a finalist in the Sasol New Signatures Art competition held at the Pretoria Art Museum.

Download the mini-dissertation The Enigma Machine: unravelling the domestic experience from OpenUCT.