Fall 2023
Compilation of Excerpts (2005–2023)
all artworks by Amber Hawk Swanson, collaborators listed in the project links below, compilation edited by Renato Velarde
all artworks by Amber Hawk Swanson, collaborators listed in the project links below, compilation edited by Renato Velarde
My practice began with Feminism? Project (2004–2006), ten scripted video performances based on my interviews with white women in Iowa—including family members and former sorority sisters—who evidenced a lack of awareness about or rejection of feminism. Mimicking amateur pornography, my performances of their raw responses intoned in a valley-girl voice became flip one-liners and ironic ramblings that simultaneously functioned as a set of open questions about feminism and pornography.
In 2013, I expanded the project to explore white feminism’s erotics and problematics in a different way with artist Xandra Ibarra for a video entitled Untitled Fucking. Through queer sexual vocabulary of topping and bottoming, we staged the complicated interplay between the performance of white feminism and feminisms of color.
Inspired after frequenting an online forum for iDollators, I commissioned a silicone Doll in my likeness. Amber Doll Project (2005–2011) became a lived performance with multiple categories of output including documenting my process of leaving her unattended and allowing the public to interact with her—often violently—without interference.
From 2011–2017, I created sculptures during livestreamed durational performances for the iDollator community, creating space for conversations through the teaching and learning of gendered skills as applied to idiosyncratic tasks.
Beginning in 2020, I collaborated with iDollator Davecat and his roboticized silicone spouse Sidore on a multi-faceted talk show, The Harmony Show (THS), a durational performance and social mode of study that explores sexual racism as well as how Dolls are racialized by those who market them and those who live with them.
In 2013, I expanded the project to explore white feminism’s erotics and problematics in a different way with artist Xandra Ibarra for a video entitled Untitled Fucking. Through queer sexual vocabulary of topping and bottoming, we staged the complicated interplay between the performance of white feminism and feminisms of color.
Inspired after frequenting an online forum for iDollators, I commissioned a silicone Doll in my likeness. Amber Doll Project (2005–2011) became a lived performance with multiple categories of output including documenting my process of leaving her unattended and allowing the public to interact with her—often violently—without interference.
From 2011–2017, I created sculptures during livestreamed durational performances for the iDollator community, creating space for conversations through the teaching and learning of gendered skills as applied to idiosyncratic tasks.
Beginning in 2020, I collaborated with iDollator Davecat and his roboticized silicone spouse Sidore on a multi-faceted talk show, The Harmony Show (THS), a durational performance and social mode of study that explores sexual racism as well as how Dolls are racialized by those who market them and those who live with them.
Compilation of Excerpts (2005–2023) includes excerpts from the following, in order of appearance:
Feminism? Project,(2005–2006)
Making-of Amber Doll, (2006–2007)
Wedding Reception, Tailgate, Girls Gone Wild, Pinball, and Rollerskate from the Amber Doll Project,(2005–2011)
Amber Doll > TILIKUM,(2011)
Online Comments,(2012)
Dollstock / Dollpile,(2013–2014)
Sidore (Mark II) Heather > LOLITA,(2013)
Untitled Fucking,(2013)
a collaboration with artist Xandra Ibarra
Doll Closet,(2014)
Dottie,(2015–2017)
The Harmony Show,(begun 2020, produced 2021–present)
Feminism? Project,(2005–2006)
Making-of Amber Doll, (2006–2007)
Wedding Reception, Tailgate, Girls Gone Wild, Pinball, and Rollerskate from the Amber Doll Project,(2005–2011)
Amber Doll > TILIKUM,(2011)
Online Comments,(2012)
Dollstock / Dollpile,(2013–2014)
Sidore (Mark II) Heather > LOLITA,(2013)
Untitled Fucking,(2013)
a collaboration with artist Xandra Ibarra
Doll Closet,(2014)
Dottie,(2015–2017)
The Harmony Show,(begun 2020, produced 2021–present)