hairline fracture

hairline fracture is a solo exhibition by Michelle Cieloszczyk of sculptures created between 2019 and 2022. Through a process of mould-making and casting of certain articles which comprise police uniforms – hats, badges, and vests – Cieloszczyk’s body of work examines the politics of policing and the increasing militarization of police forces over the decades. Using corrosive and fallible materials such as rust-infused plaster, crumbling concrete, and soft silicone, Cieloszczyk’s artworks reflect upon a growing dissonance between the perceived and real functions of law enforcement as police budgets expand evermore, even in the face of broad public outcry to the contrary. With police often seen enacting violence on the front lines of upheavals arising from social inequality, Cieloszczyk considers their role in upholding the destructive nature of late capitalism, colonialism, and white supremacy in the interests of corporations and the ruling classes.



Artist bio:

Michelle Cieloszczyk is a Toronto-based visual artist. She holds a BFA in Sculpture/Installation from OCAD University. She has been awarded the Haydn Davies Memorial Award, Best of 3D Works Award and the Most Innovative Use of Material Award at TOAF. She won the 2017 First Capital Realty Sculpture Competition; her public sculpture, CAN, was commissioned for 85 Hanna Avenue in Toronto. Michelle received grants from TAC, OAC, and CCA in 2021. Michelle has exhibited at the plumb, Propeller Gallery, Elora Sculpture Project, Nuit Blanche TO, London Culture Days, Long Winter, Yorkville Village Arts Festival, Red Head Gallery, and Main Street Gallery.



@voidflux

www.michellecieloszczyk.com