Washing day is an exploration of the relationship between the body and the ocean. The paintings for this exhibition have been informed by a performance work I carried out for the duration of December 2022. The basis of the work was swimming in the ocean every day of December. I gathered a small group of friends to attempt this with me, doing this to better understand how the body aligns with the ocean.

Washing day (as an action) is domesticated, a breath, a cleanse, a reset. Something I will have to do for the rest of my life, something everyone does – every once in a while. A household necessity, often on Rāhoroi (Saturday/Washday) or Rātapu (Sunday).

There are similarities between domestication and the ocean. I cleanse myself by jumping in the ocean. I put my head under three times – this is the rule. There’s no questioning it, this is just what I do, (like washing clothes). By bathing in the ocean, I’m not cleaning my physical body. I am cleaning my mind, my feelings, and my heart.

Ruby Wilkinson.

Ruby Thornley Wilkinson is an artist based in Te-Whanganui-a-tara and is a BFA(Hons) graduate from Massey University, Wellington. Ruby’s practice sits predominantly in the field of painting and revolves around themes of remembrance, natural phenomena and femininity.

For enquiry please email Megan at hello@thisisspace.co.nz

Image:
Singing Practice, 2022.
Oil on canvas, 550x650mm.