Lucid Figurals is an immersive artistic exploration that delves into the profound relationship between the dollhouse and women, examining the entanglement of learned behaviors and societal expectations within the realm of domesticity, juxtaposed against the backdrop of digital progress.
At the heart of the work lies/ stands/ sits the female figure, symbolizing a central body caught within various confines: a machine, a posture, an object of desire, or a role within the household. These manifestations are brought to life through animated movements, posing a thought-provoking reflection on the influence of external forces on women's identities. The audience becomes an active participant, both animating and observing the female figure as she navigates the intricate web of expectations.
The dollhouse, traditionally regarded as a representation of wealth, serves as a metaphorical "lookback" at how women have been taught to behave within the walls that surround them. It goes beyond mere miniature objects, encompassing a complex network of roles and hierarchies that the "female player" must inhabit and navigate. By exploring this multi-layered symbolism, Lucid Figurals unveils the subtle interplay between the dollhouse, daily rituals, and the formation of feminine identity encapsulated within the selected objects and paintings from the Dordrechts Museum.
In our current moment, the discovery of striking similarities between the female poses depicted in historical paintings and the motion libraries found within computer-generated bodies presents a critical stance on the perpetuation of gender norms and stereotypes.
Historically, women in paintings were often portrayed in delicate and submissive postures, embodying ideals of femininity prescribed by societal norms. These poses conveyed messages of passivity, fragility, and subordination, reinforcing the traditional gender roles imposed on women. Remarkably, when we examine the motion libraries of computer-generated bodies used in modern media and entertainment, we find a recurrence of these same poses. The replication of these historical postures within digital realms perpetuates outdated and restrictive representations of women, limiting their agency and reinforcing societal expectations.
The artworks comprise a fusion of physical and digital elements. Using the Spielautomat by Klaas Gubbels and an empty room of a dollhouse as starting points, to explore the entangled relationship between the female figure, and the evolving dynamics of our digital age.