“Aided by furs, ceramics, makeup, sludge, and a host of collaborators, Kris Lemsalu’s manifold, fantastical artwork invokes an ethereal world of spirits – magical and mundane. It often revolves around mystical creatures, many of which are characters played by Lemsalu or her collaborators. In her presentation during 2015’s Frieze Art Fair, the artist hibernated underneath a bedazzled tortoise shell, turning into an otherworldly creature her- self. Surrounded by egg cartons, the installation evoked thoughts of women’s historically domestic roles and responsibilities, while her sparkly shell, perhaps a symbol of feminine creativity and desire, offered shelter... unless it was actually crushing her.”

– The full text and interview appear in Spike #66 . You can buy it in our online shop –