A primary material within my current practice is latex, an emulsion of polymer micro-particles in a aqueous medium. Latex can be both a natural and synthetically made rubber or plastic that is attained through a process of forming polymer chains with monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction known as polymerization. Consisting of resins, proteins, alkaloids, sugars, oils, tannin and gums, this milky white substance is exuded after tissue injury to milkweed or spurge plants through tapping.
Applications of latex include a wide variety of specialized items. Natural rubber latex is commonly found in products such as gloves, mattresses, catheters, rubber bands, swimming gaps and many other sport goods. Synthetic latex is often used in coatings such as paint and glues. It is often an additive to cement to aid with the process of resurfacing crack in cement. It’s versatile material properties allow it to both act as form of protection and bonding agent. These qualities of latex opens up interesting dialogue between boundaries and reparation conceptually in relation to skin. Skin also acts as a protective shield and container that is able to repair itself when damaged. . ‘The skin is a supple semi-permeable membrane that maintains the integrity of the body, providing a boundary for the body, and serves as the medium of passage or interchange between the body and its environment.’ 1
Amy Kathryn Watson, Complexion: Skin, Surface and Depth in Contemporary Art Practice, (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2010) 2
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latex accessed April 14, 2020
https://www.aceprodcon.com/what-is-latex made of accessed April 14, 2020