Mechanism for Combining eye movement with mouth movement to express a scream

#800-Scream Mechanism

Mechanism for opening eyes like an umbrella

#500-Eye Linkages

My current body of work consists of multiple assemblies within one mechanical sculpture. It is an archive of my development, a visual representation of how I felt about what I thought was the end of my transition. A Silent Scream is a fully caged face that opens as it is cranked forward, the eyes open, and it silently screams into the reality it faces. Being trans can be an incredibly lonely place - even when surrounded by support. This work addresses the mental acrobatics I undergo and the patience I am forced to endure, not just physical transition to survive in a world that sensationalizes my being. Physical transition was essential to my survival but didn't erase the loneliness of not finding connection or not feeling a sense of belonging. I set out to prove my worth with skill and intellect while battling all the demons simultaneously. If you look close enough beyond the objects, you can see this work encompasses the entirety of my adult life. I learned machining and CAD design, among other skills; I even got a mechanical engineering degree to figure out the details. The simple idea of a machine can help break it down. Each piece is essential and put together; it can create a movement that forces a change in position literally and metaphorically. I attempt to break down something complicated into smaller pieces until it is understood both mechanically and psychologically. Once we begin to pull apart, the systems pull apart the assemblies and view each piece independently; every part is digestible; every piece makes more sense, every piece is essential. It's the same with being trans when you start to understand us and decide to understand us as individuals, not as a stereotype or a monolith. When you choose to have a relationship with a trans person, you can start pulling apart the inaccurate views that create unnecessary and oppressive obstacles for trans folks and merge into a more inclusive society.


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Krzysztof Pastuszka