Michael Stevenson

2006
rubber inner tube, ribbon
155 x 55 x 25cm (variable)

This work is inspired by the Native American objects called dream catchers. I believe they would hang this object over your bed to guard you in your sleep, to keep away bad dreams. It’s like a sieve, the way I view it. What I have made is a fantasy object. The woven pink ribbon in the centre is like the net of the dream catcher that we know. But it has a phallus. So if you’re a gay boy or even a woman, this is something that catches your dreams, whatever those dreams may be.

It uses an inflated rubber tube which is suspended from a rope. It’s like a rubber safety ring you would find on a boat, which reminds me of sailors. You know, in gay culture you get boys who like wearing uniform … This is just playing around with ideas of sex and fantasy and dreams. Wet dreams. When I was making the work it reminded me of the inflatable toys that kids have in the pool, that have the head of a duck. But this looks more like a dildo.

You hang it up there, above your head. If I was sleeping I’d look up to it, to maybe entice me to dream better. The dreams travel up the rope to the ceiling, to somewhere I don’t know ...