fragile
boundaries
installation art, textile manipulation, and sound design
2024
Inspired by the feeling of isolation, fragile boundaries comprises six layers of forty-three textiles that mimic human attributes. The fabrics follow each other creating a maze where, when you reach the center, proper isolation is attained. Organic and muted body sounds accompany the experience as you stand in the middle. The combination of analog and technological work adjoins into a dichotomy questioning the ideas of solitude and/or loneliness, peaceful and/or unsettled, which are at the center of isolation.
PROCESS
Concept development
The objective of this project was to create an installation that conveyed a narrative in space. My two project partners and began brainstormings various types of spacial narratives we could explore and settled for a theme we all resonated with: the feeling of isolation and being physically present in a place but mentally elsewhere. As we delved deeper into this theme, we envisioned creating an enclosed space where viewers could experience the alienation and isolation we were discussing. While we liked the idea of an enclosed space, we wanted it to feel more organic, human, and relevant to such a delicate emotional experience. This led us to the concept of a maze constructed from textiles hanging from the ceiling and floor. The textiles would create an isolated space for the viewer while still allowing glimpses from the outside, maintaining a connection to the larger space.
Sound element
To enhance the experience, we decided to incorporate sound into our installation. We composed muted and abstract sounds which we concealed within the structure, making them audible only from the inside. As viewers approached the center of the maze, the sound would grow louder, enveloping them in a sense of isolation. The resulting experience would immerse the audience in a solitary space filled with abstract, muted sounds, while still allowing them to see outside through a blurred and obstructed view. They would also hear distant ambient noises from the room, reinforcing the sensation of being alone yet still aware of the outside world.
Installation
One of the most challenging aspects of our installation was designing the structure of our maze within the constraints of the gallery in which we had to exhibit it. Collaborating with the gallery coordinator, we worked to make our installation feasible using the tools and facilities available in the exhibiting area. Additionally, we had to plan an approximate estimate of the amount of fabrics needed to fill the space, ensuring we had enough time to create the necessary pieces before installing. We were only allowed a few days for setup prior to the exhibition, so planning was crucial.
Sound element
To enhance the experience, we decided to incorporate sound into our installation. We composed muted and abstract sounds which we concealed within the structure, making them audible only from the inside. As viewers approached the center of the maze, the sound would grow louder, enveloping them in a sense of isolation. The resulting experience would immerse the audience in a solitary space filled with abstract, muted sounds, while still allowing them to see outside through a blurred and obstructed view. They would also hear distant ambient noises from the room, reinforcing the sensation of being alone yet still aware of the outside world.
Installation
One of the most challenging aspects of our installation was designing the structure of our maze within the constraints of the gallery in which we had to exhibit it. Collaborating with the gallery coordinator, we worked to make our installation feasible using the tools and facilities available in the exhibiting area. Additionally, we had to plan an approximate estimate of the amount of fabrics needed to fill the space, ensuring we had enough time to create the necessary pieces before installing. We were only allowed a few days for setup prior to the exhibition, so planning was crucial.
Textile Lexicon
To document all the textiles we created, we decided to compile a fabric lexicon: a book containing pictures of each element. We dedicated a page to each textile, with the pages varying in size to mimic the installation itself. Most of the fabrics were manipulated using techniques such as laser engraving, sewing, starching, embroidering, and painting.