“Corpus Delicti” is a variant from the “Color Coded” series which explores a time when interracial marriage was illegal in parts of the United States and paints a sobering backdrop to the current controversy over same sex marriage.

Wanting facts to inform our work, in 2004 we spent time at the Hastings Law Library researching anti-miscegenation laws state by state. During one of these visits, we uncovered the Alabama case law featured in this work:

"The act of intercourse is not necessary to prove an offense denounced by this section: if the two persons are seen nude, in bed together and in each other's arms, that is sufficient proof of the corpus delicti..."

Using our own color coded alphabet we translated the case law text onto a clear vinyl sheet covering a glass bed.

The vibrantly bright and happy colors vainly disguise the undercurrent of racism that permeates our country’s history. With our choice of materials and technique, we reference the intrusion of lawmakers into our most private moments.