itch + scab
NEXT Festival 2023, Flagg Building, Corcoran School of the Arts + Design, George Washington University, May 2023.
itch + scab's exhibition design is inspired by my bedroom walls (with photos taped on every one) + scrapbooks — putting emphasis on the project's major theme of obsession, especially that of making memories + documentation. With images overlapping each other + some images bleeding onto other surfaces, the collage aspect of the installation is meant to create a chaotic feeling; the installation is meant to feel like the chaos + stress of anxiety attack. The 3D sculpture, constructed to look like a never ending pile, was a practical, yet symbolic, way to showcase the excess amount of photos taken during this time of immense anxiety. The sculpture, while vaguely resembling the grooves + divots of a brain, acts as a gateway — an opening — to the project +, ultimately, my mental state during this time period.
prep
January 2023: First attempt at hanging WIP exhibition — Wall spaces were not official at this time, we were working with what we got.
February 2023: Initial map — Feeling out balance + focus.
March 2023: Second (+ official) map — This time, including images + writing, getting a feel for spacing.
March 2023: Wall spaces made official — Scouting out all the angles.
March 2023: Final exhibition sketch — Includes main wall, vision for sculpture piece, + other interactive pieces.
execution
April 2023: Day 1 (of 4) of installation — After finalizing their final spots, all images were taped to the wall + ready to be officially stuck down.
April 2023: Constructing my sculpture piece — 3D structure comprised of excess images to showcase the obsessive and chaotic nature of the project.
April 2023: Day 4 (of 4) of installation — Final exhibition + ready for the opening.
opening night
May 2023: Visitors view my exhibition on opening night at the Flagg Building — They took in my images + writings on the wall as well as my publications. Many also participated in my interactive display off to the side.
a review
+ deinstall
May 2023: What remains of my exhibition — Due to using print n' stick photo paper for this exhibition, none of the images were salvageable. Therefore, all I have is a glorified tape ball to commemorate my achievements.
May 2023: Kind words from a stranger — While my exhibition was up, I received this email from Saif.
May 2023: Remanence of itch + scab.
(interactive display)