ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

 

This Art Exhibition is open to interpretation and can be perceived in various ways when looking at it from different angles. Presented is a diorama room box with simplistic white walls referring to a blank canvas, which watches and absorbs ones every movement and sound made. The seemingly normal space turns dark and twisted when observed up close. The room is filled with a large mannequin head, painted and concealed with makeup suggesting that one tends to portray a new identity with the use of makeup. A mini easel and canvas is present with a painting of a face mask and a dressing table cluttered with objects. These include multiple clay face masks, a laptop, an intimidating desk lamp which not only points a harsh spotlight but also the blame onto the Catfisher, making the individual feel uncomfortable. A large mirror is also incorporated staring one in the face with the reflection of the situations reality. These clues suggest that the individual designs and brings new personas to life. This is carried out by designing a new face, building the face masks, bringing them to life and then sitting at the desk selecting which appearance and role to pursue when going online to Catfish social media users. The face masks which dangle from the ceiling are a representation of one hanging their head or in this case face in shame. The Catfisher has been caught and should feel ashamed of themselves, although they most likely will feel dominant due to the power they hold over vulnerable individuals. To add a personal touch the doll is in a wheelchair and her face has been painted to look like the Artist of this Exhibition. 

 

The white blank mannequin head on top of the box, signifies the dramatic transformation of one’s appearance and identity through the power of makeup and the individual’s creativity. The paintings either side reflects the image of a Catfish peeling off their mask revealing an emotionless sociopath who shows no remorse and a lack of empathy for the actions made on their behalf. The other one paints an image of a face. Half aware and afraid, and the other half blinded by love, which is clear due to the eye being taped down, forcefully by the power of a Catfish. The meaning behind the piece resembles the phrase sleep with one eye open, which implies that one should be cautious and attentive of what is going on around them. 

 

A video installation performs behind the piece which provides viewers with a further realistic insight into this form of role playing . This has been done by showing a female applying makeup, followed by dark romantic scenes, preparing to talk to her online partner. Presented are a sequence of back and forth messages between herself and her online lover, which results in her realisation that he is in fact a Catfish, and has blocked her off of the communication platform. The final scene shows the victim wiping half of her make up off. This highlights her feelings of devastation, embarrassment and lack of dignity. She has built this trust and shared intimate and personal pieces of information with someone who she loved and in turn feels exposed. This is apparent due to her flesh being on show with no clothes on and the vigorous wiping of her face, scrubbing the reality away in attempt to erase the situation and start over.  

 

The Exhibition could also portray an individual who is suffering from mental health issues as a result of being Catfished. The Catfish references such as the mannequin heads, the painting of a distressed face mask, the clay face masks and the large mirror suggests that the victim is struggling to cope and escape. The victim wants to isolate oneself in a room in order to heal but instead is experiencing hallucinations and flashbacks of the situation. The face masks hanging from the ceiling symbolise that her life has been turned upside down. The torture of being followed around, wherever one goes, or looks, having a constant reminder, haunts the vulnerable individual of the fatal reality of this online deception showing that it can have a negative long term or permanent effect on victims.