Gag, 2026

Red handkerchief with white checked trim
Faceted sphere
Label: M. BRUGGER

Gag is a readymade of sorts: a handkerchief draped over a chandelier part. Hanging in mid air, it references the silhouette of a bedsheet ghost – a literal and figurative suspension of lingering mortality, and the physical and emotional seepage we struggle to hide. It is an exploration of intimacy, domesticity, and the absurdity of grief.

The works in this edition are siblings, each combination of handkerchief and glass ball is unique, with its own unique colour, pattern and history. 
The chips and imperfections carried in the glass crystal sphere, along with the embroidered initials, holes and discolourations to the handkerchief are markers of the unique histories of these found objects, and key to the meaning of the work.

"When death comes, what is lost and what remains?
I’ve been thinking abouț the strange power that objects can hold. Among my mum’s belongings, carefully stored for 34 years, I found an old handkerchief, stained and musty. Anyone else would have thrown it away, but even though I couldn’t remember seeing it before, it somehow felt like her. I’ll never let it go.
Perhaps every object with an anonymous history holds this power for somebody somewhere. I have spent my weekends in Basel scouring the flea markets for handkerchiefs, and glass spheres from old chandeliers; the inverted refractions they hold are like portals to other worlds."

Each object is accompanied by a poem, handwritten on mulberry paper, and a signed certificate of authenticity.
Additional photos show the handkerchief spread, the handwritten text, and the embroidered artist’s proof.
The work hangs from a single nylon thread which is supplied with instructions for easy install and care.

Embroidery:

To build on the strange intimacy of these new works, it is possible to personalise the handkerchief with initials embroidered in Claire Morgan's hair, or yours.
If you’d like to supply the hair, please provide a minimum of 4 strands per letter, each at least 20cm in length.
Personalisation costs £50 for two letters. Please state the letters you desire, and location, when sending your purchase request, e.g. CM top left.
Delivery time for personalised multiples will be confirmed individually.