My project weaves together literary and visual art, marrying Joan Didion's evocative essay "Goodbye to All That" with the innovative creations of Mika Tajima, as showcased by Pace Gallery. This book is more than a mere compilation; it is a dialogue between word and fabric, a novel exploration of structure and narrative. I infused this conversation with my own artistry through blind contour drawings that I meticulously sewed onto a book with a temperature-sensitive wire that shifts from pink to white, adding an element of dynamic interaction. This approach not only invites the audience to visually engage with the art but also to physically interact with it, thus deepening the connection between the observer and the observed.
The inclusion of anonymous tags by my classmates and Peter introduces a communal dimension to the project, enriching its story and broadening its interpretative range. This innovative method of anonymous contribution challenges conventional views on the valuation of art and authorship, promoting a more inclusive and democratic perspective on creativity.
I chose a compact and intimate size for the book, 5Wx7H inches, to foster a personal relationship between the book and its readers. The appendix, a vinyl sticker of captions, blurs the lines between ancillary and essential, serving both as a guide and as an artwork in its own right.
In essence, my project stands at the intersection of literary essays, visual art, and interactive textile creation. It is a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration, offering an experience that is as challenging as it is delightful, and as reflective as it is engaging.
