Knit pickers

For this project, a community of 90 knitted dolls and counting, each with their own name, personality and interests were created. By summer 2023, 100 dolls in total will be knitted and dressed. For the most part, the dolls identify as female. They are sexy, young, old, silly and wise, a reflection of mood. They interact in a common environment or on Instagram where 18 of them each have an account. For example, Gertrude (@gertrudeinmontreal), the first doll knitted, has the most active account. They were born to fight loneliness, isolation and the feeling of alienation since March 2020. They express with humor different impulses and various interests and not least, they can be played with. Each 20 to 30 cm tall doll is knitted with colored wool that reflects diversity. They are decorated with eyes, fake eyelashes, real hair, nipples etc.  Each doll is dressed with attention and care according to their personality. In winter, some wear coats, scarves, hats and boots. Using traditionally female skills to make these dolls, this project may seem to be more in the realm of crafts than art. Yet the myriad possibilities in presenting them and using them for performance pushes the boundaries of mere craft. They can be presented individually on a shelf against a wall, installed in space, on the floor, or in the form of photo-portraits.

In collaboration with atelier b, Montreal designers and store on Blvd St-Laurent, I created mannequin dolls dressed with atelier b fabric and designs.