Sentimentality for Jess
These are my mind's eyes, I who have no eyes. These are my mind's mind, I who am not mind. I am bereft of traits, bankrupt of qualities. The riches of the dead are extravagant next to my destitute estate. I have nothing but my immortality; and now, desiring or not, they will have it too.
And I am glad I cannot know them.
But I am even gladder they cannot know me.
And I am glad I cannot know them.
But I am even gladder they cannot know me.
- Thomas Ligotti
Jess is a three-dimensional 'trauma training manikin’. From family photos found on the Internet, I selected several images from different eras that represent non verbal semiotics in the positional ritual rather well. Using the camera mapping technique, the view of the camera was reconstructed and Jess is animated in the image and likeness of those posing. Removing the impression from the pose in the picture. Homogeneity of the space and the model are used to isolate the pose as such. Like learning through a learning set, Jess tried on the role of each participant, treating the body as a material in the literal sense. The posture thus alienated transforms the cultural experience into a virtual one.
Jess is an instrument, Jess is a form, Jess is a heroine.
This simulation mimics the representation of human relations system, and the avatar is only a receptacle for the return of the ghosts, like a hostage, compelled to identify with physical and cultural human experience. On the other hand, artifacts arising in this kind of manipulations show a distinctive nature. They begin to live their own life, altering the notion of individual, holistic and unique, real and hypothetical.
Brighton Digital Festival 2018, Uncommon Natures. Jo Thorne Photography
Brighton Digital Festival 2018, Uncommon Natures. Jo Thorne Photography
Sentimentality for Jess won the Brighton Audience Award at The Lumen Prize Awards Ceremony that featured in Uncommon Natures exhibition at Phoenix Brighton.
