Bruce Nauman is famous for his neon light sculptures and use of colours. since the 1970’s this artist has “investigated the possibilities of what art may be” (Nauman, B 1988) The closeted space, given only a slither of possible movement is interesting, I knew I only wanted to focus on this Idea, I came up with questions on how to further explore this idea.
How can I re-create that space?
Can I intensify that feeling?
Can I get the opposite effect with the same concept?
These questions gave me ideas on how to move forward. Recreating the space, Using the smallest rooms in my house, the closets I felt restricted, as intended, using the perspectives of what I see and what the ‘audience’ can see seems like the photo (left) seemes trapped while the right photo seems like a safe space, maybe due to the posision im in.
How can I intensify this feeling?, make it smaller. I used my bedside table covered it in ripped cloth and I felt absolutely intensified with claustrophobia, using the ideas from the one minute statue I put myself in places I shouldn’t be, closing it off to make it my own little space. I got to my goal, I was restricted completely.
Can I get the opposite effect with the same concept. Inspired by the walls deliberately built close together I wanted to re-create that idea with mirrors. Interested in this idea, I assumed no matter how close the two mirrors were I wasn’t going to feel compacted, ‘mirrors are the illusion of space’ I thought instead it gave the illusion of someone being next to me (obviously), it made me feel slightly on edge, its weird to see yourself in all types of angles especially multiple and at a close distance, I could relate to the uncomfortability of Marina Abramović’s Imponderabilia (1977) except Im not naked, and not a stranger but I was close, and crammed, so the opposite of my predictions really.
Maia
The transition in your enquiry between a found space (wardrobe) and a constructed space (mirrors) was an interesting place to play. I liked your thinking about it _ as you said a real challenge.
The fact you framed the last image without any literal evidence of the camera was a great move. Certainly gave a sense of enclosure and enough intrigue to wonder how many people were in the space as the numbers of legs were confusing ( a good thing) Enjoyed your reflecting and refining for this exercise. Nice .