Jaded Princess

The Jaded Princess is constructed from approximately 2,400 electronic circuit boards, tied together with copper wire, enclosing a woman’s form. Life sized, it is modeled after the jade burial suit of Chinese Princess Tou Wan, Han Dynasty, 140 B.C. Because of its enduring qualifies, jade acquired a special place in Chinese arts and mythology symbolizing both power and virtue. Alford’s “The Jaded Princess” represents the artist’s concern with a conceptual oscillation between ancient and contemporary themes, materials and images. The piece additionally addresses the duality of technology-a provider of “the good life” and, at the same time, a vehicle for destruction. The circular chips covering the princess’ brain, for example, are bomb detonators, by design. However, Alford‘s princess is intended as an affirmation – a sleeping beauty, or technology preserved, awaiting awakening.