RETREAT AND RETURN (2018)

Retreat and Return is a site-specific performance that explores the visible, volatile chemistry of pH-sensitive natural dyes known as anthocyanins. Belonging to a class of compounds called flavonoids, anthocyanins have antioxidant properties and are found in foods such as blueberries, red cabbage, blackberries, and black beans. When modified via pH adjustments, anthocyanins can produce greens, blues, purples, pinks, reds, grays, and browns. In Retreat and Return, the pigments react to the slight alkalinity of sea water, shifting from warm magenta-purples to cool lavender-blues. The garment emerges structurally familiar, yet chemically and visibly altered.