Candytuft Corsage

Crystal Flanagan

In floriography (the cryptological language of flowers), the candytuft is the designated symbol of indifference. To gift someone a candytuft bouquet is to communicate a feeling of callousness, weariness, disinterest, or apathy towards the individual. 

This small collection of digital collages functions as a historical record and composite portrait of a close relative and her lifelong experience living with Substance Use Disorder. Screenshots of social media posts, stock photos, toy advertisements, 20th-century animations, blockbuster films, pop culture phenomena released during her coming-of-age and additional species of flowers symbolic of her life experiences compose the images. Each collage illustrates a particular phase of her life as related to her condition. 

This small set of works intends to explore visual representations of SUD outside of the potential trappings of documentary photography. In attempting to more accurately portray the specificity and nuances of a particular individual's experience with SUD, in hopes of momentarily diffusing indifference towards the at times brutal realities of life with the condition, whether experienced first or secondhand.

Candytuft Corsage is the digital first installment of a larger interdisciplinary project, Candytuft Bouquet: On Women with Substance Use Disorder. A collaboration between Crystal Flanagan (BFA 21') and Hemi Park (Temple MPH 21'), Candytuft Bouquet seeks to explore and amend ideas surrounding women's visual and statistical representations experiencing Substance Use Disorder in America. They will be hosting an artist talk and research presentation on June 10, 2021, at 3 PM ET on Zoom, made possible with a Tyler School of Art and Architecture General Activities Fund Grant, (Zoom Meeting ID: 929 1217 9311).

Attendees of the event may elect to receive a free Candytuft Bouquet zine by mail. 

Twenty-five copies are allocated for this first installment of the project. Any interested parties may request a copy by emailing c.reginaflanagan@gmail.com.