28 may - 21 june 2025

FELTdark

M Baker
The Sea Cure

Statement 

The Sea Cure is a video performance showcasing the relentless pursuit of wellness from the point of view of a chronically ill person. Exploring themes of isolation, desperation, hope, failure and the ritualistic quality of perseverance.

Using the beach as a stage, the artist took inspiration from actions associated with that of historic medical advice for ailments of many unknown origins. In the 1700’s being sent away to the seaside to harness the healing powers of the salt air and the ocean was thought to be a cure-all.

In Baker’s experience when a treatment does not help it is framed as an individual failure. “You didn’t try it long enough, you didn’t fully commit, you must have done it wrong, just do it again.” These dismissive statements have been echoed across the countless medical professionals Baker has seen. Enforcing the capitalist ideas of a person’s value being only as much as their productive output. These sentiments are only amplified by wider society. Baker feels a sense of social shunning; restricted because of illness symptoms, inaccessibility and stigma associated with being chronically ill, and the shame from the social expectations going unmet. 

Why Baker continues their quest for wellness is complex. Is it fueled by hope? To have their existence validated by the expectations capitalism places on us all? Why is it that no matter the cost, existing as they are has been shown to not be enough? Why must you always try to be more?

Artist Bio

M Baker is a disabled interdisciplinary artist. Born in Ireland Baker lived the first 13 years of their life there before moving to Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar (Western Australia).

Bakers practice is primarily informed by their identity. Using their artwork as a tool of reflection, connection and sharing of personal experience. The mediums Baker utilises in creating are limitless and adaptive to their ability at the time of creating. This fluidity allows for a dynamic exploration of self. Having made work in the realm of performance, video, sculpture and beyond.