Does the size of an object really change the viewer’s desire to stare at it? According to kawaii* (cute) culture from Japan, it does. The use of kawaii articles is one way I conflict themes. In Memory of Fuddlescum Kiki, kawaii is visually manifested within the installation, but deviates from its usual message to become the opposite, dark humor.
The installation was meant to be subtle, but overpowering once the viewer becomes engaged with the piece. This is the kawaii effect, where “cuteness” has the ability to control the viewer’s gaze. I meant for the lighting to enhance this experience as the viewer might start to feel awkward with the subject matter of viewing of the deceased.
Funerals or exhibitions of bodies decorate and celebrate bodies, making them the spectacle. This topic is not limited to humans, but also includes pets. I find there is always a curiosity towards the experience that I wanted to explore. In regard to previous experience, I have to ask myself: is this a subconscious desire to remain young or merely a sarcastic representation of the past? I find that the connection with this curiosity remains even with artificial or “unreal” objects. I regret that I can’t replace Kiki, but I have no desire to fix it either.
Dark humor and sarcasm, conflicting themes, and influence from Japanese culture are constant themes within my work. In addition to this, how can the better understanding of our brain function help us understand ourselves? Or how far are we able to analyze our subconscious to know what force is in control? Perhaps, our brains are far beyond our understanding and control. In the end, we are left with subtle clues, such as the kawaii effect to realize that we are the ones at the mercy of our brain’s function.
In the future, I plan to explore lighting and the color of spaces when I display this work. Also, I want to explore repetition by creating several other similar pieces through different characters or various funeral scenes with the only one character. I think I would still use the same “shoe box” format.
*A subculture psychologically relating back to traumatic effects of atomic bombings and expresses the desire to remain young. Also, considered a part of Japan’s national identity of harmony/love, cute culture manifests itself into prefectural and government mascots.
Your quotations and profound love and connection and obsession with japanese culture are all present in your own commentary with its marvelous quotes.
ReplyDeleteBecause of western need for more and desire to be persuaded/convinced/seduced, your idea of several of these at one time and in one place would work very well...
A delightful work with your usual distance and irony as well as passionate investment in what you perform and make.
Very, very nice and at this date I see how this tiny one fits in grander scale of your overall endeavor