Traces of an Imaginary Affair
Mixed Media, 1 Object 335/265/66, 9 C-Prints 400/300
2006
Traces of an Imaginary Affair is a kit containing a set of nine tools that can be used to create an imaginary affair. These tools leave marks on the body, such as bite marks, carpet burns, bondage marks, love bites, scratches, and bruises. Additionally, probes for perfume, lipstick, and hair can be applied to either the body or clothing. The project broaches the issue of intentionally instigated jealousy in relationships, which often serves to bolster self-esteem or to test the strength of partnerships. It was inspired by stories of individuals who used fabricated evidence of victimization or illnesses to garner attention from others.
Credits
Concept and Design: Björn Franke
Photography: Jonas Unger
Models: Michael Harris, Alice Wolff
Exhibitions
Nirvana: Wundersame Formen der Lust, Gewerbemuseum Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland, November 29, 2015 –
May 8, 2016.
Nirvana: Strange Forms of Pleasure, MUDAC Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, October 29, 2014 – April 19,
2015.
Kama: Sesso e Design, Triennale di Milano Design Museum, Italy, December 5, 2012 – March 10, 2013.
The State of Things: Design and the 21st Century, Design Museum Holon, Holon, Israel, March 4, 2010 – May
15, 2010.
Love Design, Klaus Engelhorn Depot, Vienna, Austria, October 1–10, 2009.
Love Design, Galleria Nina Luma, Milan, Italy, April 22–27, 2009.
Fetisch und Konsum, Akademie Schloss Solitude, Stuttgart, Germany, May 29 – July 5, 2008.
Eden ADN, Biennale Internationale Design Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France, November 22 – December 3,
2006.
Something Fake, Platform 21, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, October 6–27, 2006.
The Wellcome Trust's Travelling Apothecary, British Library, London, United Kingdom, September 16, 2006.
Designsuburbia, DMY 2006, Berlin, Germany, May 18–21, 2006.