HYPERPERSONAL (2018)
HYPERPERSONAL explores the intensities of romantic intimacy facilitated by hyperpersonal communications and calls into question the inevitable consequences of idealization.
The hyperpersonal perspective theorizes that Computer Mediated Communication can be just as, if not more intimate than face-to face communication as users are inclined to elicit more self-disclosure. Within online dating, both parties idealize the other and present an idealized version of themselves, creating a feedback loop reinforcing the idealized perception of oneself and the other (Walther, 1996). Stafford and Reske’s 1990 study Idealization and Communication in Long-Distance Premarital Relationships provided the beginnings of defining the hyperpersonal perspective, revealing that long-distance couples idealized their relationship more than face-to-face couples due to their limited and less frequent communication. This idealization facilitated an overall higher satisfaction rate with their relationship. Idealization in technology driven romantic endeavours can lead to disappointing in-person meetings, unexpected incompatibilities and lack of IRL connection (Kallis, 2017).
The vitrine immerses the viewer into remnants of love, limerence, and regret within a bedroom. The wall features a bulletin board carrying real heartfelt love letters above a cheeky cake which reads ‘Congrats! You’re Projecting!’. A bejewelled knife and head of a corded phone ominously dangle above. At the bottom of the vitrine, coloured party balloons and crumpled up love letters litter the floor. Special thanks to Desiree Chester for crafting the cake.
Exhibited at Trinity Square Video.
Exhibited at Trinity Square Video.
Homage to the Tweenage Sleepover (2016)
Photography by Richard Rhyme
This work was a collaborative installation and interactive performance art piece I conceptualized and then executed with Kerry Xu. Together we transformed a living room into a classic tweenage slumber party; a sweet, intimate, cozy, and immersive environment. Focusing on the rituals, obsessions, and brief freedom of parental authority - the homage was an exploratory space where entrants peeped into the precious details of the space and interacted with tween characters. The room was littered with magazine posters, toys, books, a corkboard with photographs, diaries, an old television playing Aladdin on VHS, and clothes scattered over the floors and couch. Period tweenage music like the Camp Rock soundtrack and Hilary Duff played in the background on a radio.
This work was a collaborative installation and interactive performance art piece I conceptualized and then executed with Kerry Xu. Together we transformed a living room into a classic tweenage slumber party; a sweet, intimate, cozy, and immersive environment. Focusing on the rituals, obsessions, and brief freedom of parental authority - the homage was an exploratory space where entrants peeped into the precious details of the space and interacted with tween characters. The room was littered with magazine posters, toys, books, a corkboard with photographs, diaries, an old television playing Aladdin on VHS, and clothes scattered over the floors and couch. Period tweenage music like the Camp Rock soundtrack and Hilary Duff played in the background on a radio.
The audience experienced the work by exploring the sleepover space and interacting with us (as tweenagers) as we conducted different activities. We hosted ongoing activities such as nail-painting, temporary tattooing and friendship-bracelet making every hour or so. We wanted entrants to experience coming of age nostalgia, a sense of girlhood they may never have had the chance to. We welcomed all participants into our intimate recreation of middle school sisterhood.
TINDER IS A GAME AND ATTENTION IS OUR CURRENCY (2016)
Showcased at the Super Wonder Gallery, this was an intimate piece focused on the pernicious but pleasurable rituals built off the recreational abundance and addictive nature of Tinder use. Rolling around in bed using Tinder, with my screen activity projected behind me as I lingered among profiles of past lovers and strangers, reread old conversations, and explored possibility in new faces.
Installation and artistic direction in collaboration with Kerry Xu.
Installation and artistic direction in collaboration with Kerry Xu.