DAVID SIMPKIN
Loss of Wisdom, 2011
Single channel
4:3 video
stereo sound
01.40 minutes
The Eastern Block
When half the wisdom was removed I invariably collapsed back into images. These seven weeks of dental agony were almost over. The stitches cover the excavations and bind the skin like a perforated rubber band. The tongue goes into new spots as my accent subtly changes. Thankfully I can only recall the pain in a conceptual manner.
The mouth felt clapped out like a foxhole. The pharmaceuticals were strong but in order to prevent myself from dozing I sucked in the cold air. I remember when my legs went to jelly as I nearly passed out from those throbbing attacks brought on by that wretched caramel. No wonder I rarely smile.
© All images copyright and courtesy of the artist
