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A ventriloquist dummy sits on a chair mounted to the wall. It wears a plain, brown-toned checked jacket and a green shirt. Its shoes, like the trousers, are simple and dark, with a light contrasting sole. The dummy’s hair is neatly parted. Lines at the jaw indicate the movable mouth section.

Clothes Make the Man

Laurie Simmons

  • Year1994
  • EditionUnique edition
  • Material/TechniqueMixed media
  • Dimensions95 x 33 x 38,5 cm
  • CategorySculpture

Laurie Simmons sculpture series Clothes Make the Man (1990–92) centers on the figure of the ventriloquist dummy that was already a feature in her earlier work. The puppeteer Alan Semok built seven identical male puppets that were then clothed in a variety of outfits. As indicated by the title, the series studies the effect clothing might have on the way a person is seen. The dummies are mounted on a wall at eye-level with the viewers, presenting them as equals. 
One dummy is clothed in color-coordinated pjs, a bathrobe and slippers, the image of a self-satisfied dandy. Another, in a tuxedo with a bow tie and a cummerbund, exudes an established and powerful masculinity with a regal calm. The dummy in a plaid jacket shown here, on the other hand, seems bland and a bit boring, an obliging employee.