AY’s vibe
*all titles are intended to be lower capital letters
*all titles are intended to be lower capital letters
so cliché, 2023
︎ interactive installation & video
'so cliché' (2023)
examines the impact of a society focused on avoiding pain in the quest for a painless existence. This culture of avoidance risks stripping away what it truly means to exist.
Social media and societal norms heavily influence how we perceive pain, promoting an idealized version of reality. The normalization of instant gratification and the expectation of quick fixes to life’s struggles have eroded the depth of human relationships, stunted personal growth, and weakened emotional resilience. By avoiding vulnerability and the discomfort of deep connections, people often miss the opportunity to grow and learn from painful experiences, opting instead for shallow interactions.
The project features two installations: the human scale bear trap installation 'too fast no pain' (2022) and a baby mobile hanging sculpture for adults made from contemporary industrial materials, alongside a video that offers a more intimate perspective. Through these works, I explore themes of numbing, denial, and escapism—how we seek solace from pain and, in doing so, weaken our capacity to face it. This avoidance not only amplifies our perception of suffering but also distances us from understanding the role pain plays in shaping our lives.
Pain and joy are both integral to the human experience. Rather than fearing pain, society must recognize its importance and embrace the emotions it brings.
Social media and societal norms heavily influence how we perceive pain, promoting an idealized version of reality. The normalization of instant gratification and the expectation of quick fixes to life’s struggles have eroded the depth of human relationships, stunted personal growth, and weakened emotional resilience. By avoiding vulnerability and the discomfort of deep connections, people often miss the opportunity to grow and learn from painful experiences, opting instead for shallow interactions.
The project features two installations: the human scale bear trap installation 'too fast no pain' (2022) and a baby mobile hanging sculpture for adults made from contemporary industrial materials, alongside a video that offers a more intimate perspective. Through these works, I explore themes of numbing, denial, and escapism—how we seek solace from pain and, in doing so, weaken our capacity to face it. This avoidance not only amplifies our perception of suffering but also distances us from understanding the role pain plays in shaping our lives.
Pain and joy are both integral to the human experience. Rather than fearing pain, society must recognize its importance and embrace the emotions it brings.
- Documentation:
- Original Video:
