Ydessa Hendeles: From Her Wooden Sleep...

This artist’s book interprets “From Her Wooden Sleep...” Toronto-based artist-curator Ydessa Hendeles’ (born 1948) multilayered meditation on difference, diversity and group dynamics. Central to the show inspired by and mounted at London’s Institute of Contemporary Art is a unique group of 150 wooden artists’ manikins: dating from 1520 to 1930 and ranging in scale from palm-size to life-size, the manikins surround a lone figure exposed to their collective gaze, providing the framework for Hendeles’ latest exploration of psychologically charged cultural artifacts. Renowned for large-scale, site-specific curatorial compositions, Hendeles — who has worked as an art therapist, art gallerist and art historian — integrates artworks, artifacts and found objects to create unique installation experiences. This book of images, curated by Hendeles and presented with her notes, offers access to the work of an artist who has carved out a distinctive space in contemporary art.