Purple Television
[February 1 2014] : art
Lucid TV: Real Woman starring Betony Vernon by Katerina Jebb
Real Woman as immortalized by Betony Vernon is offered here for our consideration as “the real thing only better.” Jebb draws on her own studies at The Real Doll factory in California where she documented the singular phenomenon of a life-size doll constructed from silicone and steel. Jebb presents Vernon, a prominent author on sexuality as a doll-like figure within an actual gallery space, ostensibly a living work of art which can be bought. Vernon stands motionless her gaze fixed and impenetrable, the only clue to her realness being the subtle rise and fall of her diaphragm as she inhales and exhales. Music in the background plays “In Every Dream Home a Heartache” and a red sign on the bottom right of the screen indicates “as seen on TV” further confirming that there is a commodity for sale. But this is not the case, the film is just an idea which blurs what is real and what is manufactured, exemplifying man’s use of mechanical power and machinery on living or inanimate currency. Dreams that money can buy.
Starring Betony Vernon
Directed by Katerina Jebb
Edited by Benjamin Ricart at Premiere Heure, Paris
Make-up by Tania Candre
Assisted by Franck Mura and Marius Crowne
Filmed at Kamel Mennour Gallery, Paris
Special Thanks to Kamel Mennour and Annika Schaefer
Music – In Every Dream Home a Heartache written and performed by Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music
