Objectifying others, especially women, is something we as humans tend to do. It can be observed in many or our common everyday routines. This includes the way we use our body’s for dating apps, how we present our bodies on social media and how we generalize certain body types as being "in good shape" in commercials. However, where do we draw the line between appreciating someone and objectifying them, and how does this affect our perceptions of ourselves and those around us?
"What am I" is a project made during my bachelor's program. Throughout this project, a group of students collectively delved into the topic of sexuality. Personally, I focused on the issue of objectification, asserting the statement: "It's okay to find someone sexy, to be attracted to their appearance. However, it still happens that people (especially women) are ONLY seen as sexy.” With this work, I challenge the viewer to question what a sexy/attractive person means to them.
The image only changes when a viewer stands in front of the screen or projection of the artwork. Initially, a static picture of a woman's body is displayed until a person standing in front of the screen is detected. Once detected, the artwork comes to life, transforming and shaping itself in response to the viewer's presence.
The interactive animation created for this project features a female body and an object (a high heel). It explores the boundary between a person and an object—do they share similarities? Do we mentally connect the object and the body when we see them transform into each other, or are they distinctly different, and if so, why? In the animation, we witness a female body depicted in light, soft colours. The image transitions from an intimate pose to a full-body view. Her natural pose evolves into a static image that gradually distorts into an object. The colours become less pleasant, transitioning to darker and more provocative tones. If observed correctly and for long enough, what was once a female body transforms into a red heel—an object.
Both in the work and in the problem itself, we have influence, and it still requires attention. Through this interactive work, I aim to make people realize that we largely control this issue ourselves. We can exert influence by giving the problem attention and continuing to discuss it. Above all, ask yourself how you perceive people you find attractive.
