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When considering restroom upgrades, it's advisable not to choose hiring the sculptor for such tasks.

Truly, she's a whiz using sealant applicators, crafting fascinating artworks with a surprising art material. However the more examine these pieces, the more it becomes apparent that an element seems somewhat unnerving.

The dense strands of sealant Herfeldt forms stretch beyond display surfaces on which they sit, drooping over the sides below. The gnarled tubular forms swell until they split. A few artworks break free from the display cases entirely, turning into an attractor for grime and particles. One could imagine the ratings might not get favorable.

“I sometimes have this sense that items seem animated within a space,” remarks the German artist. Hence I started using silicone sealant due to its a distinctly physical feel and appearance.”

Certainly there is an element rather body horror about the artist's creations, including the suggestive swelling which extends, similar to a rupture, from the support in the centre of the gallery, or the gut-like spirals made of silicone which split open like medical emergencies. Displayed nearby, Herfeldt has framed prints depicting the sculptures captured in multiple views: resembling wormy parasites seen in scientific samples, or growths on a petri-dish.

I am fascinated by is how certain elements inside human forms occurring that also have independent existence,” the artist notes. “Things that are invisible or control.”

On the subject of unmanageable factors, the promotional image for the show features a picture of water damage overhead in her own studio located in Berlin. It was made in the seventies and according to her, faced immediate dislike by local people since many older edifices were torn down in order to make way for it. The place was in a state of disrepair as the artist – originally from Munich although she spent her youth near Hamburg prior to moving to the capital as a teenager – took up residence.

The rundown building was frustrating for the artist – it was risky to display the sculptures anxiously potential harm – but it was also fascinating. Lacking architectural drawings accessible, nobody had a clue the way to fix any of the issues which occurred. When the ceiling panel at the artist's area was saturated enough it fell apart fully, the only solution meant swapping it with another – perpetuating the issue.

Elsewhere on the property, Herfeldt says the leaking was so bad that several collection units got placed above the false roof to channel leaks to another outlet.

It dawned on me that this place resembled an organism, a totally dysfunctional body,” she says.

This scenario reminded her of the sci-fi movie, John Carpenter’s debut movie from the seventies featuring a smart spaceship that develops independence. And as you might notice from the show’s title – a trio of references – other cinematic works influenced to have influenced Herfeldt’s show. Those labels point to main characters in Friday 13th, Halloween plus the sci-fi hit in that order. She mentions a critical analysis from a scholar, that describes these surviving characters a distinctive cinematic theme – female characters isolated to overcome.

They often display toughness, rather quiet and she can survive thanks to resourcefulness,” the artist explains regarding this trope. No drug use occurs or have sex. And it doesn’t matter the audience's identity, everyone can relate to this character.”

She draws a parallel between these characters and her sculptures – things that are just about staying put under strain they face. So is her work more about social breakdown beyond merely leaky ceilings? Because like so many institutions, such components intended to secure and shield against harm in fact are decaying within society.

“Completely,” she confirms.

Before finding inspiration in the silicone gun, she experimented with other unusual materials. Past displays featured forms resembling tongues using a synthetic material typical for in insulated clothing or inside a jacket. Again there is the sense such unusual creations could come alive – certain pieces are folded like caterpillars mid-crawl, some droop heavily from walls or spill across doorways gathering grime from contact (The artist invites audiences to interact and soil the works). Like the silicone sculptures, the textile works are also housed in – leaving – budget-style transparent cases. These are unattractive objects, and really that’s the point.

“They have a particular style which makes one very attracted to, yet simultaneously appearing gross,” the artist comments amusedly. “It tries to be absent, but it’s actually very present.”

Herfeldt's goal isn't work to make you feel ease or visual calm. Instead, her intention is to evoke discomfort, awkward, maybe even amused. And if there's water droplets on your head additionally, remember this was foreshadowed.