Artist Statement
From Here, to There, to Anywhere. Or Nowhere.
12 x 17”, mixed media on acetate
With technology connecting us now more than ever, we can develop relationships of all kinds. We can live in dreamlands, a place that only exists in our minds. Many people aren’t aware they are in a parasocial relationship. With the increasing number of influencers and social media jobs, admiration can go a long way. Most parasocial relationships are seen as negative, obsessive, and empty at times. However, more often parasocial connections create an outlet of joy. Connecting to celebrities such as social media influencers and musicians are represented in my series. The reality is understanding the limitations of connection, although we feel as we know the individual there is always a part of them they don’t present online. To be on a personal level relationship takes interaction and trust which you simply can’t get from their social media presence.
There are two ways to view my series “From Here, to There, to Anywhere. Or Nowhere.” When you look through these pieces to see them all together, one meaning is formed. Whereas when each piece is viewed separately, they simply depict different moments in time. Each piece is representative of a phase in my life of a parasocial relationship, as the people you look up to and admire often shape who you become.
The first piece “From Here” was my first parasocial relationship, a connection to him and his music. Almost everyone can connect to songs in a way that is personal to them. Because of this, Shawn Mendes and his music was a constant in my life even till now. Parasocial relationships can also be strictly platonic, they could simply be someone that inspires you. However that is not always the case.
The second piece “to There” is a unique parasocial relationship as I actually had met Alex in person and then formed a friendship. Alex CND inspired me to pursue a lot of different things indirectly, with the main one being video editing.
The third piece “to Anywhere” is about Karl Jacobs. His storytelling through new mediums is an ongoing inspiration in my art journey. His branding is very consistent with purples and greens.
The fourth and last piece called “Or Nowhere” is capturing the bottomless pit of the internet. There is even more to discover. I wanted this piece to contrast amongst the other positives. The object we use everyday almost compulsively. The one tool that is the source for all of the previous pieces.
As my series is displayed, there is always another perspective you might find.