Swaddling

This installation is an experiment in swaddling adults inspired by the pressure stimulation or ‘human squeeze machine” of Temple Grandin.  Ahern swaddles adults, which is a technique usually done with infants. The participant may be swaddled/mummified as long as they like. Ahern sits with each person in silence. The pressure of swaddling often induces comfort, calm, and a womb like experience for the participant, and is visually arresting for the viewer.

Swaddling occurred as part of 1067 Pacific People’s “Alternative Pleasure, Pop-Up Gesture Store”, conceived by Andrea Haeneggi, Brooklyn NY, July-Sept 2014 and will reoccur there in summer 2015. After receiving the gesture of swaddling, each person must give a self-generated gesture or experience in return.