Talia, 2017

Digital Video, 9:16, 1920 x 1080px

A non-voice call and video portrait

"Talia" is a call from “Talia herself”. The dialog is about asking and answering, but viewers should be able to tell that both of the two speakers are the same person – she is "repeating" the conversation over and over.

I am thinking about how digital technology, new media, and new social manners bringing the self–awareness to us. Do people easily recognize the self–existence nowadays? Taking photos/ videos are easier than before, and we are able to view our photos at any time and any place; friends tag us on social media. Within it, the awareness is supposed to become strong. It seems nowadays most of the awareness of self-activities happens in the digital world. In other words, technology makes it possible.

However, is it correct? When the audience is watching this video, are they able to tell these two speakers are the same person? When we are sharing photos online, do we get lost somewhere else?

Talia is making a video call to herself, but it is more like a self–awareness art viewing. The image of this work is strong, but the content of what she is talking about, the language and the voice are weak if the audience is not paying attention. Without all the info of this dialog, we can’t find out that Talia is talking to herself here.

Exhibited

The Digital Body: The 3rd International Exhibition on New Media Art , May 2017, CICA Museum, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea 10049