Thoughts on current investigations, January, 2011:
Notions of here, there, and the space in-between reflect my response to the idea of what we lose today, are the basis for my current works.
Changing patterns of communication are evident in contemporary society, this is effecting a radical shift in the meaning of the space between people. Thus, the idea of ‘touch’ as an element of communication has been significantly altered. Mediated interaction renders obsolete actual, implied, metaphorical, or emotive ‘touch’ in interpersonal relations. My current installations explore this actively expanding space or void and the potential for meaning that exists within this almost tangible distance.
The distance that separates us as individuals is almost palpable to me. The space of communication between people previously intangible is now filled with ‘virtual’ littering of electronic information and filters… Our reliance upon indirect communication at times depersonalizes our relations with other people to an extent where misunderstanding, miscommunication, and their consequences abound. The ‘real’ seems to become increasingly marginalized causing us to loose inter-personal touch, while the virtual is becoming a dominant aspect of our lives. My work poses the question whether we are becoming so ill-adapted to real life and direct social interaction, that our ability to form and maintain productive relationships necessary to a harmonious culture/society is affected. The apparent order and systematic structure dissolves into chaotic connections flowing everywhere rendering the actual order under he surface imperceptible.
My work reflects upon feelings of being overwhelmed by the speed of communication, and subsequently our lives. Opportunities and connections may be gained through the possible speed of electronic, global communication but much is lost in the process as well. I urge the viewer to ask themselves these same questions.