| Project title: | That Sinking Feeling |
| Location: | Ullenhall Village Hall, Henley in Arden, UK |
| Date(s): | 20 July 2023 |
I am an experimental artist using multiple mediums to focus on radical feminist theory, exploring the critical evaluation of labour divides between genders. I draw up the work practice of many feminist artists “form support systems—to survive the shattering experiences of facing the walls of racism and sexism” Sara Ahmed (2017), exploring inequalities and using art to highlight gender disparities. I have never created a stop motion film before but I was inspired at an early age by Aardman productions such as Morph, Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep and my ambition is to become an animator, this project is the start of my dream
That Sinking Feeling is a claymation short film following the protagonist Lena as she becomes consumed by the burden of household chores, the story highlights the clear disparity between people identifying as women and their partners when it comes to domesticity (this is not exclusive however in the context of the film focuses on women). As part of the performance I embodied the main character, dressing as her and tidying as the audience entered the room. The autoethnography approach offers a verisimilitude connection with my feelings of frustration when my life is consumed by tasks that no one notices I do, unless they are not done. More time would allow more freedom to enhance our skills, relax and have a different quality of life.
The making of the film was a steep learning curve, as I had never created a stop motion film before but the process is slow but very therapeutic.
Zara Gral is a multimedia artist working across a variety of mediums including, Claymation, painting, performance art, pottery and sculpting. Her practice aims to raise awareness in the disparity between genders in relation to domestic labour. Drawing upon research concerning feminist theory and questions around domesticity enables her work to express passion and deep personal meaning in the work she creates. Humour and personal passion are a constant theme across all of her work produced.