In 2017 I made a number of costume works featuring long tongues. In this particular installation, ‘Rakus’ (rakus meaning greedy), the tongues are my comment on the status quo. Sticking out one’s tongue represents a feeling of civic frustration at being trapped in the current state of socio-political affairs. ‘Rakus’ is about greed, corruption, the political manoeuvres of those in power and their continual repetition throughout history.
I looked to the image of Rangda, the Balinese widow queen of the demon. Rangda is a witch-like figure with a long, protruding tongue. She is the personification of evil and in her fight against good, represents the eternal battle between good and evil, yet nevertheless is still considered a protective force.