MASK // MIRROR // SHADOW'
abstract
The past few decades have seen the traits of ‘narcissism’ spread around and it has been labelled by social scientists as a ‘modern epidemic’. In accordance with the rapid change in society, the rise of individualism, in technology, and the environment we grow up in which result in narcissistic traits in various aspects and exist on a spectrum. At a healthy level, it can create a positive sense of self, making one confident, goal-oriented, resilient and ambitious. On the other hand, at a high level or in the state of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), a person displays an inflated sense of self-importance and high levels of self-admiration, a need for constant attention and admiration from others, difficulty forming relationships, and a general lack of empathy for others.** These behaviours appear to convey an exaggerated sense of self-love, but what lies behind the mask is a fragile sense of self-worth, and they can cause destructive harm, not only to others, but also to oneself. To connect the issue with artistic-creative approach, to enhance the ecological forms of the social and to explore the silver lining of ‘narcissism’, this project embraced and interrogated the concept of narcissism in order to address the social psychological nature of environmental crises and to mention the trauma in early lives of an individual. Even though, humans are products of their society, community and family, there are massive complex layers in narcissism as it has been heavily involved in ‘modern society’ that can be analysed and discussed.
about the project
‘MASK // MIRROR // SHADOW’ questions and examines our minds, thoughts, behaviours that impact ourselves and other human beings in the society. The interdisciplinary work that runs across psychology and art fields aims to challenge the viewers’ perception of themselves and their own invented realities by allowing them to interact with the work, contribute themselves as an instrumental of it and also reflect on themselves through the performance. I have an itch to talk about this mental condition and communicate it through art, to project the idea of NPD in both positive and negative areas. As we all know that we all fall somewhere along the narcissism kingdom and somehow we are both a narcissist and a victim at the same time. The project does not aim to labels or victimise anyone, but to engage all of us to the field of self-reflection and self-awareness.
process
The concept started with self observation process of myself and found traits of ‘narcissism’ in me that are partially the results from the way I was raised and grew up. The parenting styles of my parents had followed some patterns that can be indicated as ‘narcissistic pattern’. From the observation, I realised that I also follow the exact same patterns of my parents and somehow I became an abuser in the previous relationships either with friends or romantically. Even though, there’s nothing in this project that meant to blame my parents or society that I grew up in as to be responsible for who I am today. However, it is necessary to mention the source of the idea that grab my interest in the first place.
After consulting with a psychologist, there is pointless to beat myself up for something I cannot undo. However, I have an itch to talk about it, since I am not the only one who suffers with these traits. Thus, I came up with an idea to make fun of myself and hope that others can relate and reflect themselves through my work.
I shared the idea with my friend, Zack Helwa, an artist and curator in Berlin, about the installation and performance that I had in mind. He was interested in taking part and there were 2 more friends, Felix and Cory who wanted to join. I provided the story, treatments, prompts and direction of the performance, then we broke down the elements and did an improvisation to come up with movement and sound ideas.
the exhibition and performance
The experiential installation and performance 'MASK // MIRROR // SHADOW’ aims to ironically communicate through the power of visualisation and perception of themselves. The installation consists of 6 three-dimensional contemporary works of various materials and medium. The viewers can experience as participation, relate to their experiences and posit themselves in an expanse that they not only observe but take part in.
Apart from the installation there is a theatrical performance inspired by the greek methodology, Narcissus. Guiding the audiences from the broken background of narcissists, to the transformation of self-esteem, then being overwhelmed by self absorption, the lack of empathy to themselves and to others, and finally the drowning into one’s own reflection that harm one’s self.
The main material I want to use is ‘ice’, as a modern interpretation of ‘water’ which is the core material in ‘Narcissus’ methodology. To add my idea into the original material, I use the logic behind the narcissistic way of thinking: the exaggerated desire to be loved, admired and to have the support of others. As water has been used as a self-reflector or mirror in ‘Narcissus’. The abstract and ironic logic behind ‘ice’ is to maintain that feeling of seeing oneself in the reflection forever as it is the endless reflection and absorption of oneself.
Therefore ‘ice’ has been use in this project as a main medium in the installation, performance and the making of sound. The sound we used in the performance had been recorded on the day from the ice on the stage along with other materials I use in the installation works. Purposely, we wanted to make it as live as possible in order to create a fresh energy and allow audiences to take part in the show as much as we can.
The performance aims to non-verbally define the terms of narcissism in multifaceted aspects and include the beauty and the beast of narcissistic traits. Even though, it does not indicate towards what is good and bad, as there is nothing as such but to create a safe space where we can equally explore ourselves and our complex minds. It purposely wants to seduce, embrace, stimulate and tickle the narcissist in all of us. The video of the project that shows on the four-meter screen in the second room.
Special thanks to:
Martin Müller - Bo Liu - Nicolas Krewer - Cosmo Niklas Schüppel