’48 Flash’: Bad Girl – Bad Boy, Sexy Texts.
Merrin Eirth. 2006’48 Flash’ reveals Merrin’s private collection of sexy texts that can be identified as 21st century erotic SMS poetry. In the context of the work a semi-interactive exchange takes place, as Merrin invites the viewing audience to add to the collection by sending SMS messages to the ‘bad girl and bad boy’ mobile telephone numbers she has assigned to the project.

Merrin’s work enjoys a direct reference to the function of masks at the traditional ‘Venetian Carnival’, where participants were encouraged to engage anonymously in flirtatious encounters, and other erotic adventures if so desired. ’48 Flash’ occupies a discrete and intimate imaginary space not limited by any specific socio-cultural position. Further, its sequestered psychological space gives it the capacity to override certain power relations that might underpin more conventional or committed personal relationships. The particular feminine experience, from which the work emerges, has a tendency towards text-based fantasies in preference to the voyeuristic experience usually associated with the masculine imagination, while the explicit nature of the texts finds a parallel with hard core porn but presents an alternative that allows a more personalised visual and linguistic construct. Its intention is to facilitate an opportune moment for the enhancement of adult libidinal expression within a relatively safe arena, not burdened by the tyranny of our current socio-political environment that is often characterised by repression and fear.

Merrin’s work is courtesy of Dianne Tanzer Gallery, 108 –110 Gertrude St. Fitzroy. www.diannetanzergallery.net.au