Elizabeth Deacon & Ika Schwander : "Fucksapiens"

In this interview, we speak to Elizabeth Deacon and Ika Schwander, they create work within the 4D department of Fine Art.

What is the title of your work?

"Fucksapiens".

Summarise the work in 5 words

Not sexual not sexual not.

Talk us through the process of creating your work

We wanted to create a species which was between human and animal. The species would then interact with the real world and carry out their daily activities of feeding, cleaning and reproduction.

How is the work “site-specific”?

Originally, we intended on doing a performance in the aviary in Waterlow Park, however we were unable to do so as a result of council regulations. We therefore filmed the performance in public. This changed the narratives of our work, but is actually far more exciting both to film and to watch than previously. (It is no longer site-specific).

How did you conduct your research for the exhibition?

We began by watching Pier Paolo Pasolini’s film of The 120 Days of Sodom. There was a particular scene where people were imitating dogs. They were attached to leads and begging to be fed by their ‘owners’. This made us think about the complex and hierarchical relationship between humans and animals.

You can follow Elizabeth Deacon and Ika Schwander on instagram @lizzydeacon and @ikaschwander