Dana Justine Belcourt

Doppelgänger, 2021

Crochet, 65 x 18 x 11 inches

“Doppelgänger” is a crochet re-creation of the artist’s body; with accurate measurements to the actual body, it serves as an uncanny self-portrait. As a medium, crochet speaks to the nature of time during quarantine, and how long stretches of time without distraction allow for long-term projects, growing more self-aware, and exploring the relationship with the self. To learn about ourselves intimately is an uncomfortable process, and being confronted with who you are is even more difficult. Furthermore, while the measurements were accurate, the medium created bumps and imperfections instead of an idealized version of the body. Literally floppy and lacking a spine, “Doppelgänger” is manipulable in nature, without agency to do things on her own. It is mouthless and docile; a vulnerable body that requires assistance and care, and it forces the artist to take care of an unideal version of themself.