The Warrior, 2003
Sixteen shredded military uniforms, monitor, and DVD

"The Warrior, " comprised of shredded military uniforms sewn together into an organic form, is a recent manifestation of Mella Jaarsma’s long-standing exploration of concepts of embodiment, identity, social belonging, and cultural taboos. Standing guard over a simmering pot of nourishing miso soup, this mythical Warrior, in contrast to the military suggested in the very materials of the art work, possesses healing powers; thus displacing the role of the warrior as merely military might.
(Text by Amanda Rath)