New York-based artist Jordan Eagles works with an unconventional and controversial material to create his crimson artworks–blood. About 15 years ago, the artist was discussing the connection between body and spirit with a friend which led him to ultimately embark on an artistic journey using blood he acquires from animal slaughterhouses. For Eagles, his work is a preservation and display of life and death. According to his statement, “The works become relics of that which was once living, embodying transformation, regeneration, and an allegory of death to life.”
When the artist first began working with the bright red fluids he didn't take into account the fact that blood oxidizes in open air and changes color to a sterile brownish hue over time. After realizing its transformative properties, Eagles proceeded to encase the vibrant crimson material in plexiglass and UV resin to retain its brilliant color and texture. He even takes his art to another level by manipulating it with heat and electricity to create spectacular patterns which are then projected onto walls with light running through the encasement. Additionally, the artist soaks gauze and fabrics with the procured blood as “a map of memory and homage to ancient wrapping rituals.”
Eagles' intriguing blood work is currently on display in an exhibition titled BLOOD/SPIRIT at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art in St. Louis, Missouri through June 28, 2013.
