2011, Beads, sequins, diamantes, organza, embroidery thread, Dimensions variable
Unique

“Married to” consists of individually woven beads, sequins and diamantes onto a fine surface of gauze like substance called organza.  Floating behind glass in boxed frames the pieces, which take between two to three weeks to complete, are inspired by the shapes of the bodices of wedding dresses, that upon closer inspection reveal intricate icons and objects related to the subservient role and commodification the rest of Goodman’s work hinges on.

In the work “Married to Social Media” symbols of Twitter, Skype and Facebook are decoratively combined; whilst in other examples such as “Married to Sex” a nude female form makes up the erotically charged image, alluding to the demarcated space for women in the institution of marriage.  In “Married to Football” team crests such as FC Barcelona, Liverpool and Pirates are intricately and painstakingly embroidered onto the surface. 

What these works effectively critique are the hetero-normative standards of what marriage represents, directly representing the accoutrements that a woman is to aspire to, and metaphorically ‘wear’ through the course of her union.

Adapted from a text by Mathew Partridge.