PLUMERIA
Fabric, yarn, hospital gowns
184 × 155 cm
2025
The materials used in this work are deeply connected to my personal history and to my daughter's illness.
The blue hospital gowns were worn by patients before undergoing MRI scans and would normally be discarded afterwards. I transformed these garments using Sashiko stitching, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique dating back to the seventeenth century. Originally developed to mend worn textiles, create new garments from old fabrics, and repair kimonos, Sashiko embodies the values of sustainability, care, and renewal. Today, however, it is often appreciated primarily for its decorative qualities.
The Plumeria, or Frangipani flower, frequently associated with wellness and healing, is regarded as a symbol of paradise. Its intense fragrance is believed to soothe the soul, relieve stress, calm the mind, foster inner peace, and strengthen self-confidence. Indigenous peoples of the Americas have long recognized its healing properties, particularly in relation to emotional and spiritual well-being.
My artistic practice explores the coexistence of opposing forces. The shape of this work evokes both a cross and an embrace: outstretched arms that simultaneously express vulnerability, comfort, and welcome.
Credits: © Patricia Jacomella Bonola