Constance Slaughter’s affecting exhibition at FiveMyles, “Running Out of Thread,” explores, in the artist’s own words, “the dark side of childhood, its unresolved dreams and fears.” Her puppet-like sculptures are made from translucent printer’s scrim stiffened with resin. Hung from the ceiling and attached to the wall, these individual figures, three or four feet high, exude a collective pathos. Slaughter, who was born in France and spent considerable time in London before coming to New York, is an artist of troubling intimacy. “My process is slow and exploratory, like extremely serious child-play,” she has written. “I am interested in the unsaid, what is not there and what might happen.“ Her portrayal of childhood seems to indicate that we are all unformed. Remaining influenced but not necessarily overwhelmed by our early lives, the possibility for grace lies before us. JONATHAN GOODMAN
On view July 1 to 11 at FiveMyles, 558 St Johns Place, between Classon and Franklin avenues, Brooklyn, 718–783–4438.
Closing Performance on July 11 choreographed by Felix Aarts, performed by Sarah Rodak.
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