Pins & Needles (2025) Original Oil Painting by Alexandra Koskinen

While my work Pins and Needles pays homage to Nauman's Feet of Clay, I use the familiar imagery to highlight other aspects of the biblical narrative, ironically by using the very same technique Nauman uses for his photography. The feet of clay still stand for hidden flaws, or undesirable characteristics, whether these be mental or corporeal. Unlike Nauman's work the clay is shaped to closer mimic the appearance of the foot, making the additions of the pins and needles more uncomfortable for the viewer to experience, mirroring the physical and psychological discomfort of the actual condition. Pins and needles are commonly caused by the lack of blood circulation to the extremities making these numb. The sensation of tingling is the body's response to the return of the feeling. However pins and needles, are also common to people such as myself prone to anxiety, panic attacks and hyperventilation. The saying "to be on pins and needles" refers to being nervous, impatient or anxious.

The red of the feet acts in direct reference to the trauma in the form of Oedipus' pierced ankles, the attempt to overlook it and hide it with clay, which soon becomes numb, only for the pins and needles to kick in.

Materials used:

Oil paint, and coloured pencils

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 18 x 24 x 5cm (unframed) / 18 x 28cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the back
• Style: Surrealistic
• Subject: People and portraits