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When considering washroom remodeling, it's advisable to steer clear of engaging Lisa Herfeldt for such tasks.

Indeed, she's an expert in handling foam materials, crafting compelling sculptures out of an unusual medium. Yet longer you look at the artworks, the stronger you realise a certain aspect seems somewhat strange.

The thick lengths of sealant Herfeldt forms reach over the shelves supporting them, drooping over the sides towards the floor. Those twisted foam pipes bulge till they rupture. Certain pieces leave the display cases completely, evolving into a magnet of debris and fibers. One could imagine the reviews are unlikely to earn pretty.

At times I get this sense that objects possess life inside an area,” remarks Herfeldt. Hence I turned to this substance due to its a distinctly physical feel and appearance.”

In fact one can detect somewhat grotesque regarding these sculptures, including the suggestive swelling which extends, similar to a rupture, from the support within the showspace, or the gut-like spirals from the material that rupture as if in crisis. On one wall, Herfeldt has framed photocopies showing the pieces captured in multiple views: appearing as microscopic invaders picked up on a microscope, or growths on a petri-dish.

What captivates me is the idea in our bodies occurring that seem to hold a life of their own,” she says. “Things which remain unseen or control.”

Talking of things she can’t control, the promotional image promoting the event features an image of water damage overhead at her creative space located in Berlin. Constructed erected decades ago and, she says, was instantly hated among the community as numerous older edifices were removed for its development. The place was dilapidated as the artist – a native of that city although she spent her youth north of Hamburg prior to moving to the capital as a teenager – began using the space.

This deteriorating space proved challenging for the artist – placing artworks was difficult the sculptures without concern they might be damaged – but it was also compelling. With no building plans available, no one knew methods to address the malfunctions that developed. After a part of the roof within her workspace was saturated enough it gave way completely, the single remedy was to replace the damaged part – perpetuating the issue.

Elsewhere on the property, she describes dripping was extreme that a series of collection units were installed within the drop ceiling to channel the water to a different sink.

“I realised that the building was like a body, a totally dysfunctional body,” the artist comments.

The situation brought to mind a classic film, the initial work movie from the seventies concerning a conscious ship that develops independence. Additionally, observers may note given the naming – Alice, Laurie & Ripley – more movies have inspired impacting the artist's presentation. Those labels indicate the leading women in the slasher film, Halloween plus the sci-fi hit in that order. The artist references an academic paper written by Carol J Clover, which identifies the last women standing an original movie concept – women left alone to save the day.

“She’s a bit tomboyish, rather quiet and she can survive due to intelligence,” she elaborates regarding this trope. They avoid substances or engage intimately. It is irrelevant who is watching, we can all identify with this character.”

Herfeldt sees a similarity between these characters and her sculptures – elements that barely staying put despite the pressures they face. So is her work more about social breakdown rather than simply water damage? Similar to various systems, substances like silicone that should seal and protect against harm are gradually failing around us.

“Absolutely,” responds the artist.

Earlier in her career using foam materials, the artist worked with alternative odd mediums. Past displays included forms resembling tongues using fabric similar to found in on a sleeping bag or inside a jacket. Again there is the feeling these peculiar objects might animate – some are concertinaed as insects in motion, some droop heavily from walls or spill across doorways collecting debris from touch (She prompts people to handle leaving marks on pieces). As with earlier creations, these nylon creations are also housed in – and escaping from – cheap looking acrylic glass boxes. These are unattractive objects, and really that’s the point.

“The sculptures exhibit a particular style that draws viewers highly drawn to, and at the same time being quite repulsive,” the artist comments with a smile. “The art aims for absent, however, it is very present.”

The artist does not create art to provide relaxation or visual calm. Instead, her intention is to evoke unease, awkward, perhaps entertained. And if there's something wet dripping on your head too, remember you haven’t been warned.