I AM OTHER
The writing of Julia Kristeva is a defining factor in my work. In “Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection”, Kristeva describes abjection as "a breakdown in the distinction between what is Self and what is Other." Abjection is what disturbs conventional identity, order, and system. Abjection is a hatred that smiles. I am exploring what I find in myself that I see as other but is fundamentally a foundation of myself.
Video
My goal with this work was to portray the intense fear I experience when I go through a freeze response. I did this to illustrate the internal struggle of panic when I involuntarily lose mobility. I then give the audience control of myself with a rope pulley system connected to the puppet. I purposely gave my wooden puppets connections that hindered movement. To show involuntary movement on the puppet's part, I have no control.
CryBaby
Plywood, acrylic paint
15” x 33”
Me
Spruce, acrylic paint, rope
5 ' 2
CryBaby
Plywood, acrylic paint
15” x 33”
Self, Transformation, Other
Plywood, acrylic paint, rope
15” x 22”
Consume Plywood, modeling paste, acrylic paint 3” x 15”
Unseen Plywood, acrylic paint 22” x 42”