2021-2022
Astroturf, Felt, Canvas, Wood, Paper Mache, Acrylic Paint

"Screaming from the Sidelines" is an ongoing exploration of the dynamics that surround English football culture. It is an investigation of the heteronormative spaces created to function as a haven to shelter tradition. Tradition, in conversation with sports, most often revolves around who is playing the sports, and how there is very little room for change.

‘Screaming From The Sidelines’ derives its name from the nature of the game and includes the crucial role of the spectator. The spectator, whether a coach or paying patron, is typically very vocal. Patronage to a team comes with more responsibility than just cheering them on. The audience often takes on the role of a referee themselves, yelling at the players to keep them in line. In other cases, the audience can weaponize their verbal abuse towards players of the opposing team. In many of these confrontations, insults often weaponize heterosexuality, challenging these values within the players as they struggle to score goals. The logic unfolds in the correlation between skill and masculinity, and the delicate balance of retaining your masculinity while having a bad day.

"Screaming from the Sidelines" is a project that presents the commonly used terminology by football fans, emphasizing the heteronormative space created around football culture in England. In this series, I cover canvases with astroturf and felt lettering, and write various slurs that I have heard during the progression of a football match.