What would happen if you left your favorite outfit submerged in the ocean for some time? If we're talking about the Dead Sea, your clothes might actually turn into a masterpiece made of salt—just ask Israeli artist Sigalit Landau.
Working on her project "Salt Bride," Landau submerged a black gown in the salt-rich Israeli waters for two months back in 2014 and then enlisted the help of photographer Yotam From (who had to wear over 150 pounds of weight to submerge himself in the extremely salty water) to snap pictures of the gown throughout the process. The result? A crystallized dress.
Photograph: Courtesy Sigalit Landau/Marlborough Contemporary
The eight-part photo series was inspired by a 1916 Yiddish play by S. Ansky called "Dybbuk," about a Hassidic woman possessed by her dead lover's spirit and eventually exorcised. In the dramatic 1920s production of the play, the lead actress wore a salt-encrusted gown, of which Landau's black dress is a replica.
Photograph: Courtesy Sigalit Landau/Marlborough Contemporary
This isn't Landau's first time working with the Dead Sea. In 2005's "DeadSee" video, the artist floats naked in the saline water among a slew of unraveling watermelons for 11 minutes.
Photograph: Courtesy Sigalit Landau/Marlborough Contemporary
If you happen to be in London in the next few days, catch "Salt Bride" on display at Marlborough Contemporary until September 3.