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Should you be thinking about washroom remodeling, it might be wise to steer clear of employing this German artist for the job.

Truly, Herfeldt is an expert using sealant applicators, producing fascinating artworks from this unlikely substance. Yet longer you observe the artworks, the clearer it becomes apparent that something feels slightly strange.

The thick strands from the foam she produces extend over their supports supporting them, hanging downwards below. Those twisted silicone strands expand until they split. Certain pieces break free from the display cases fully, evolving into a collector for grime and particles. Let's just say the feedback might not get favorable.

There are moments I feel the feeling that items seem animated within a space,” says the sculptor. This is why I came to use silicone sealant as it offers this very bodily sensation and look.”

In fact one can detect rather body horror in these sculptures, starting with the phallic bulge jutting out, similar to a rupture, from its cylindrical stand within the showspace, and the winding tubes made of silicone which split open as if in crisis. On one wall, the artist presents photocopies of the works viewed from different angles: appearing as squirming organisms observed under magnification, or colonies on culture plates.

“It interests me that there are things inside human forms happening that seem to hold a life of their own,” the artist notes. Elements that are invisible or control.”

On the subject of things she can’t control, the poster for the show includes an image showing a dripping roof in her own studio in Kreuzberg, Berlin. The building had been made in the seventies and, she says, was instantly hated among the community since many old buildings were torn down in order to make way for it. By the time in a state of disrepair upon her – a native of that city yet raised in northern Germany before arriving in Berlin in her youth – began using the space.

This deteriorating space was frustrating for the artist – placing artworks was difficult the sculptures without concern they might be damaged – however, it was fascinating. Lacking architectural drawings on hand, nobody had a clue methods to address any of the issues which occurred. After a part of the roof in Herfeldt’s studio was saturated enough it gave way completely, the only solution meant swapping the panel with a new one – thus repeating the process.

In a different area, Herfeldt says dripping was extreme that several shower basins were set up above the false roof in order to redirect the moisture elsewhere.

I understood that this place acted as a physical form, a totally dysfunctional body,” she says.

The situation brought to mind Dark Star, the initial work movie from the seventies about an AI-powered spacecraft that develops independence. Additionally, observers may note from the show’s title – Alice, Laurie & Ripley – more movies have inspired to have influenced the artist's presentation. These titles refer to main characters in Friday 13th, another scary movie plus the sci-fi hit respectively. Herfeldt cites a critical analysis from a scholar, outlining these surviving characters a distinctive cinematic theme – female characters isolated to triumph.

“She’s a bit tomboyish, rather quiet enabling their survival thanks to resourcefulness,” the artist explains regarding this trope. They avoid substances nor sexual activity. And it doesn’t matter who is watching, all empathize with this character.”

The artist identifies a similarity between these characters with her creations – objects which only maintaining position under strain they face. So is her work more about cultural decay beyond merely leaky ceilings? Similar to various systems, substances like silicone intended to secure and shield us from damage in fact are decaying in our environment.

“Completely,” responds the artist.

Earlier in her career with sealant applicators, she experimented with different unconventional substances. Past displays featured forms resembling tongues using a synthetic material found in on a sleeping bag or apparel lining. Once more, there's the impression these strange items seem lifelike – certain pieces are folded as insects in motion, pieces hang loosely off surfaces or extend through entries gathering grime from contact (She prompts audiences to interact leaving marks on pieces). Similar to the foam artworks, these nylon creations are also housed in – and breaking out of – inexpensive-seeming transparent cases. The pieces are deliberately unappealing, which is intentional.

“They have a specific look that somehow you feel very attracted to, while also appearing gross,” the artist comments grinning. “The art aims for absent, yet in reality highly noticeable.”

The artist does not create pieces that offer relaxation or aesthetically soothed. Conversely, her intention is to evoke uncomfortable, awkward, perhaps entertained. But if you start to feel water droplets on your head additionally, don’t say the alert was given.