matthew cox embroiders pop culture icons onto skeletal x-ray sheets

matthew cox embroiders pop culture icons onto skeletal x-ray sheets
all images courtesy of matthew cox

two unconventional mediums and otherwise desperate aesthetics unite in matthew cox‘s series of creative works. the philadelphia-based artist overlays clinical x-ray imagery of skulls, chests and limbs with delicate and tactile, flourishes of embroidery, sewn into the black-and-white frame. the mash-up of two sharply contrasting materials delivers a simultaneously cheery and spooky commentary on the human condition. ‘redefinition of materials motivates me to create the embroidered x-rays,’ explains the artist, matthex cox. ‘handling these media also gives me an opportunity to comment on the ever-increasing presence of photography in contemporary art by introducing labor over the quick, slickness of film.’ the subjects range from pop culture icons to ancient avatars — snow white, barbie and krishna statuettes each comprise the figurehead of a skeletal frame.

a selection of cox’s work make up ‘thread into film: embroidered x-rays’, presented at the MSB gallery at NYU langone medical center, new york from now until january 15, 2015.

heartthrob #6, barbie

avatar #8, casper/eagle

playboy #3, thomas jefferson with nipple piercing

heartthrob #3, miss piggy

avatar #5, medusa

avatar #2, minotaur

avatar #9, ganesha with hairpins

avatar #7, zeus/hulk

playboy #1, benjamin franklin with bunny necklace

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