Abstract:
Human beings are highly complex social creatures; we create intricate systems of
communication that are constantly evolving due to ever growing need to be in a constant state of
connection. Humans may have the ability to survive in solitary situations, but will thrive when
connections are established with other beings. This interconnectivity allows humans to create an
environment in which learning becomes an intricate system that is constantly growing by
building upon past knowledge; therefore, surpass the knowledge of The Individual rather than
participate as a portion of an expanding, collective System. However, as humans, we invent
boundaries for several reasons, thus hindering the interconnected, conscious experience and
yielding a skewed phenomenological view of life.
When humans place personal limitations, it both over-simplifies and further complicates that
individual's experiences. "Labels" may help classify items, emotions, situations, other
individuals, and experiences; however, the act of classifying undoubtedly creates restrictions. Be
that as it may, humans are inclined in their usage because these self-fabricated distinctions
provide a sense of familiarity and comfort due to maintaining a status quo that is so deeply
ingrained into human nature. When an individual or situation contradicts our personalized labels,
the unknown may create a moment of chaos within our "carefully-controlled" world. I believe
that our ever-growing list of "labels" have contrived an environment of sequestered, diminutive
social circles impacting the uniquely connective experience we share as human beings. Through
an individualized analysis of the experiences of a single human within several stages of life, I
devise a public viewing with the visual manifestation of aforementioned experiences. The visuals
are created using several fine arts mediums, such as paintings, drawings, photographs, and
sculptures. A public viewing is essential to my interactive creative project due to the desired end
result: demonstrating that despite the more superficial commonalities amongst us as individuals,
our masked self and past experiences may connect us to a greater and deeper extent than we may
presume.
