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    A white papier mâché box with a small arched opening to the front. It has a classical pediment to the top, and is supported from below by a scrolled corbel.
    Caption
    Adore (144 Condoms), Willem Strauss, 2023, papier mâché on salvaged condom packaging from cruising sauna

    ©the artist

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    Two wall mounted boxes, both with classical pediments and bases. The box to the right has an arched opening which is flanked by columns and hung with lavender. The box to the left is a box of Bold Lavender and Camomile laundry detergent.
    Caption
    Lavender and Camomile, Willem Strauss, 2022, papier mâché on salvaged laundry detergent boxes from cruising sauna

    ©the artist

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    A wall mounted box with classical pediment and base. It has two arched openings, both flanked by columns. The opening to the left contains a rag, spray bottle, and condom. The opening to the right contains fabric softener and laundry pods.
    Caption
    Diptych, Willem Strauss, 2022, papier mâché on salvaged laundry detergent boxes from cruising sauna, cleaning & laundry equipment

    ©the artist

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    A wall mounted papier mâché box with a classical arched pediment and finial to the top, supported from below by a scrolled corbel.
    Caption
    MATES Silky Smooth (500 sachets), Willem Strauss, 2023, papier mâché on salvaged lube packaging from cruising sauna

    ©the artist

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    A wall mounted papier mâché box with a classical pediment to the top, supported from below by a scrolled corbel. Two paper oysters protrude from the right hand corner.
    Caption
    Untitled (Oysters), Willem Strauss, 2023, papier mâché on salvaged cardboard packaging from cruising sauna, paper casts of oyster shells

    ©the artist

Willem Strauss – BA/BFA

Working in a mens cruising sauna since July of 2022, the focus of my work has been on the false hierarchy of cleanliness and dirtiness, the fragility of purity and impurity, and the internalised shame these things create. My aim has been to build a space where relics of homoerotic experiences are treasured, even sanctified. Condom packaging and laundry detergent boxes become the tabernacles which hold the sacrament, and fleeting moments of intimacy shared between strangers become immortal and divine.