MENTAL GAMES | 2013

Mental Games combines Marcel Duchamp's notion of the Infrathin as well as speaks of the ego and the frailty of the human psyche. The term Infrathin describes the imperceptible difference between two seemingly identical items. "Infrathin, Duchamp declared, cannot be defined, one can only give examples of it." It is “...the becoming - the passage from one to the other..." * Art and Pop Culture

With this as a premise, Mental Games is an installation that asks the viewer to see him/ herself through a thin translucent but highly marked and eroded surface which is placed several inches in front of a reflective film. In trying to see one's image, the individual becomes present and aware of the obstruction of the large "ego" in front of his/ her likeness. To see past this marked surface, the viewer must get close and thus, physically affects the piece by his/ her breath or movement--causing it to quiver or crumple further making one aware of personal fragility and power.

MYLAR, PAPER, INDIA INK 16 X 20 INCHES EACH — MYLAR, PAPER, INDIA INK
16 X 20 INCHES EACH

GANG UP | 2012 - 2013

Gang Up is an installation based on the ego and the idea of creating a looming physical presence with a pack mentality. The work over powers the viewer by spreading the various physical components wide and high on the walls. In this work, the individual ego becomes subordinate in order to for the "gang" to be imposing; therefore, each individual piece is not strong enough to stand on it's own. It can have additions to its structure but cannot function with the same intensity if there are less than seven.

However, what looks so strong is quite fragile on closer inspection. The pieces, though dark, are thin and eroded away from multiple punctures to its surface. Easily affected, the pieces quiver as viewers walk by, further revealing its weaknesses.

The ego is but a frail protection.

PUNCHED | 2012-2013