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Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection | SAIC Digital Collections

The core of Franklin’s exploration lies in the theme of embodiment. To be embodied is to be anchored to a physical form that is constantly in flux—aging, feeling, and reacting to its environment. Franklin’s work suggests that the body is a "human vessel," a term that evokes both the fragility of glass and the resilience of a ship. It is through this vessel that we navigate the world, and it is within its walls that we store our most private "solos"—those internal dialogues and singular experiences that define our individuality. 88341.jpg

Furthermore, Solo(s) highlights the tension between the individual and the collective. While the title suggests a focus on the singular, the act of sharing these reflections through art and poetry acknowledges a shared human condition. By documenting the nuances of the body and the psyche, Franklin invites the viewer to consider their own vessel. Is it a fortress? A sanctuary? Or perhaps a record of the journeys it has undertaken? Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection | SAIC Digital

The Human Vessel: A Study of Embodiment in Krista Franklin’s Solo(s) It is through this vessel that we navigate