Affection 1984

Harmony Hammond's "Affection" presents two wrapped forms, bound and suggestive, carrying a weight of cultural and emotional significance. These vulva-like shapes echo ancient fertility symbols and the female form, reminiscent of Paleolithic Venus figurines. Consider the "knot" motif, a gesture of binding and connection, found across cultures from Celtic art to ancient Greek love spells. Hammond transforms this symbol into an overtly erotic form, imbued with the personal and political dimensions of feminist art. The use of wrapping, layering, and concealing conjures ideas of protection, intimacy, and hidden depths. It evokes primal human emotions, tapping into a collective memory of creation, nurturing, and sensuality. The soft, tactile materials, contrast to the suggestive shape, trigger in the viewer a visceral, intimate response. Hammond’s 'Affection' reverberates with layers of history and meaning, inviting us to explore the enduring power of symbols to express both personal and universal experiences. The symbol returns again and again, reflecting the cyclical nature of human experience.