Buridan's Ass
2020
Buridan's ass refers to being unable to choose between exactly two things. The ass in question is a donkey that is equally thirsty and hungry, that finds itself midway between a stack of hay and a pail of water. Unable to make its mind up, it dies of hunger and thirst. The paradox is named after the 14th century French philosopher Jean Buridan but dates to antiquity, being found in Aristotle's On the Heavens.
I have always been an indecisive person, but this vice has etched itself further into my entity, along with university applications. Many around me had a concrete idea of their programs, yet there I was, still struggling. Between both of my passions - art and science - I was uncertain which I would like to pursue during my post-secondary education. This turmoil was the root of my stress throughout early autumn, and continued to grow only more omnipotent. I could not bear the weight of it on my own; I had to express this toxicity physically. And so represents my wearable.
I wanted to have a striking contrast between the two parts of it, white and black, as are my two passions. The long sleeves, inspired by Chinese operas, do not have the same meaning of "recreating rippling water." These are to tear apart the wearable; expressing this emotional and mental state. The intricate jewelry worn has little diamonds - tears - dripping along the face, glittering in the light; while a band of metal lies within the mouth of the wearer. Much like how I stop myself from expressing this turmoil to those even closest to me, it hinders the person from talking. The red tulle that wraps the person but also the wearable itself, has a dual meaning. The red, to my interpretation, is confidence and power; a facade I usually keep as to hide my inner enigmas. The material itself covers the person completely, hiding the wearable from the eyes of others. It should be impenetrable but its semi-transparency illustrates that no matter how well hidden, one's trouble is always apparent. Eventually having been kept within for so long, it will unfold violently.
I have always been an indecisive person, but this vice has etched itself further into my entity, along with university applications. Many around me had a concrete idea of their programs, yet there I was, still struggling. Between both of my passions - art and science - I was uncertain which I would like to pursue during my post-secondary education. This turmoil was the root of my stress throughout early autumn, and continued to grow only more omnipotent. I could not bear the weight of it on my own; I had to express this toxicity physically. And so represents my wearable.
I wanted to have a striking contrast between the two parts of it, white and black, as are my two passions. The long sleeves, inspired by Chinese operas, do not have the same meaning of "recreating rippling water." These are to tear apart the wearable; expressing this emotional and mental state. The intricate jewelry worn has little diamonds - tears - dripping along the face, glittering in the light; while a band of metal lies within the mouth of the wearer. Much like how I stop myself from expressing this turmoil to those even closest to me, it hinders the person from talking. The red tulle that wraps the person but also the wearable itself, has a dual meaning. The red, to my interpretation, is confidence and power; a facade I usually keep as to hide my inner enigmas. The material itself covers the person completely, hiding the wearable from the eyes of others. It should be impenetrable but its semi-transparency illustrates that no matter how well hidden, one's trouble is always apparent. Eventually having been kept within for so long, it will unfold violently.
Performance AspectOne day in the future...
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I want the model to enter the stage silently with one light on them. Then when in the middle of the stage, they stop. There, others within the shadows, would unwrap the tulle releasing the wearable. Then the model would dance, while thrashing the sleeves around. Growing tired, they would stop slowly, standing still in the middle, gazing at the audience. Two shadows then begin to pull the sleeves from a gentle tug to a violent pull, eventually ripping it apart. The model would then fall to their knees clutching their face - their tears.
I would like everyone's perception of my wearable to be an experience. I wanted to express this state simplistically, as to leave room for freedom of interpretation. Although we are all unique individuals with unparalleled experiences, I believe everyone has felt the impact of indecisiveness. I would like them to visualize this wearable, this performance piece, as the materialized interpretation. Creating a psychological and emotional connection, during the fleeting performance, would allow for them to recall this feeling of torment. |
Alter Ego Bust
Hypothetical Me
2019
32.9 cm x 27.6 cm x 35.9 cm
My concept is a Hypothetical Me. To even grasp an understanding of this idea, my past must first be discussed. Being raised in an environment with multitudes of religion, I have had my values modified repeatedly. Foremost, I was an avid Christian. Every Sunday, from the age of seven, my family without fail would be in the church pews. But, being young and childish, I found no interest in the words I repeated during prayers. And so, when we decided to leave, no sadness hung over my heart. Time flew by. Years later, with the arrival of my Grandma, I discovered Buddhism. My curiosity opened a wondrous door. I vigorously learned and adamantly believed this new conduct of life. But my inner tranquility did not last, for I was soon transferred into a Christian private school. While receiving the compulsory religion classes, I slowly was allured to the morals and values taught. There began my dilemma; to be Christian or Buddhist? This did not get resolved. Year by year, I searched for the right path, and year by year I strayed further. It was only well into my teenagehood, did I discover an answer; I spent my life learning about the two but resonated with another.
Now, when asked my faith, I respond with Atheism.
But, I always wondered: What if I choose one of the two? Would I have become a devout believer, like my past?
This alternate possibility, this alternate me who is an avid believer that dedicates their life to practice a religion, took the form of my bust. The similar pose to those within many religious sculptures, in addition to the emitted halo* when a flashlight is inserted, was to evoke how I have seen the “light” and thus became superior to my current self. The light from my mouth, my eyes, and my ears symbolized how this alternate me would have lived day to day; speaking, seeing, and hearing everything around me through a religious filter.
*A halo is a crown of light rays, circle or disk of light that surrounds a person in art. It has been used in the iconography of many religions to indicate holy or sacred figures, and has at various periods also been used in images of rulers or heroes.
Now, when asked my faith, I respond with Atheism.
But, I always wondered: What if I choose one of the two? Would I have become a devout believer, like my past?
This alternate possibility, this alternate me who is an avid believer that dedicates their life to practice a religion, took the form of my bust. The similar pose to those within many religious sculptures, in addition to the emitted halo* when a flashlight is inserted, was to evoke how I have seen the “light” and thus became superior to my current self. The light from my mouth, my eyes, and my ears symbolized how this alternate me would have lived day to day; speaking, seeing, and hearing everything around me through a religious filter.
*A halo is a crown of light rays, circle or disk of light that surrounds a person in art. It has been used in the iconography of many religions to indicate holy or sacred figures, and has at various periods also been used in images of rulers or heroes.