PULL or not to pull, that is the question.

May I ask your attention especially to this small work of art, because of its importance. Maybe due to its small size, it is so easily overlooked though it synthesises the full meaning and purpose of all art-forms in one and still it often goes unnoticed.

In general, many cultures acknowledge art to be ‘very important’, but it can be remarkably hard to say quite why. Yet, if art is to enjoy these privileges, it must be able to demonstrate its relevance to its audience.

Art is all about communication, which manifests itself in many different forms. From an etymological standpoint, the word communication originates from Latin and means ‘to share’ or ‘to impart’. Even though these verbs sound simple and easy to execute, life teaches us differently; beyond words’ immediate denotations, they can have connotative powers.

PULL! interactively is teasing us into communicating with ourselves.

 

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Each of these framed artworks features delicately embroidered words on paper, carefully chosen to evoke a sense of curiosity and intrigue. But what sets them apart is the enigmatic cord that runs through a discreet hole in the frame. This cord holds the key to a captivating experience, for those who dare to pull it.

The beauty of these works lies in the unexpected. When a viewer chooses to tug on the cord, they initiate a transformation that is both mesmerising and disconcerting. The embroidered word, meticulously crafted on the paper, begins to unravel, as if challenging the very essence of permanence in art. This act of unravelling becomes an art form in itself, blending the tangible and the ephemeral, the tactile and the temporal.

As the word unravels, it leaves the viewer with a profound sense of wonder. The act of unravelling becomes a symbolic journey, mirroring the viewer's curiosity about what lies beneath the surface, about the potential consequences of their actions. It challenges preconceived notions of what art can be, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic forms into the realm of interactivity.

This unique artistic expression prompts viewers to confront their own perceptions of art and its boundaries. They grapple with questions: Is it acceptable to alter an artwork, to participate in its creation or destruction? Is the word they've unravelled a real piece of art or a clever illusion? The tension between the desire to explore and the fear of irrevocable change leaves a lasting impression.

In this world of interactive needlecraft artworks, the act of pulling becomes a metaphor for the human instinct to seek meaning, to explore the unknown, and to question the boundaries between reality and illusion. These pieces invite viewers to engage not just with the artwork itself, but with their own instincts, curiosity, and preconceptions, creating an experience that is both thought-provoking and unforgettable.

In an era where art is continually evolving, these interactive needlecraft artworks remind us that art is not static; it is a dialogue, an exploration, and an invitation to question the world around us. They challenge us to pull the cord, to unravel the word, and in doing so, to unravel our own perceptions of art and the boundless possibilities of human creativity.

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INSPIRATION

What is art without a message?

As a student I was fired up by Plato whose ideas in 'The Republic' explored the connection between art and society and gave me this lifelong fascination of being intrigued by art's role as a powerful influencer in our changing world. I believe art is not just a passive expression but a force that can shape beliefs and behaviours. This leads to profound ethical responsibilities for artists.

Pull! in particular emphasises the concept of choice, reflecting themes of agency and free will, which were central to philosophers like Aristotle. In my work, viewers are not passive observers but active participants, making choices that give the artwork unique meaning. Aristotle's timeless inquiries into human choice and ethics inspire my creations, imbuing them with a sense of agency and moral implications inherent in our decisions.

Maybe the most powerful tool available to humanity is communication. All communication involves at least one messenger and one recipient. This may sound simplistic, but communication is actually a very complex subject matter. Our choice of words can be constructive or destructive, either way, they convey information that can harbour a strong message and an array of emotions.

Dissecting communication into single words.

An imperative is a demand that is critical or pressing and influences on a subconscious level to direct the behaviour of the recipient. The artworks of the series Pull! showcase how the word is a symbol, a representation, or a command for the actual action/object.

Interactive art.

Art should have its own reality, reflecting and conveying experience. With this interactive art, the viewers are invited to respond actively to what is in front of them. The series Pull! takes its viewer into account, it constitutes a dialogue between the artwork and the participant who is invited not only to think but to act upon the artwork. Doing so falls within the context of the art-piece, the work affords the interaction.

Pull or not to pull.

The cord forming the word behind glass dangles with a small tassel outside of the frame invitingly to pull. Does it entice you?

Pull and the artwork will change its meaning or even cease to exist.  It is your choice to grab the cord and pull a bit, all, or not at all. Exposing how the word is a symbol for the actual action/object will lead the viewer to a deeper understanding of how cognition and motivation link to behaviour, and how the functions of your mind affect your behaviour in this given context. Through the process of deciding to alter the artwork by pulling the cord or not, you become part of the artwork.

The ‘Pull!’ demands an immediate intervention aiming to aggravate or intensify stress, it has a ring of emergence.

Will you oblige?

 

The word illusion in this interactive artwork becomes a powerful metaphor. It invites viewers to question whether the unravelling of the word is a real transformation or merely an illusion, thus challenging their perception of reality and artistic authenticity.

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The word 'believe', when pulled away, cleverly reveals the word 'live' beneath, serving as a poignant reminder that in the act of believing, we often discover the essence of truly living, encapsulating the transformative power of faith and action within the art itself.

The word 'charm' without the c, creates a thought-provoking juxtaposition that symbolises the duality of intentions and actions and serves as a compelling commentary that without the allure and kindness represented by charm, harm will prevail.

With reference to the worldwide, sexual harassment and assault in imbalanced social settings. (#MeToo movement)

The word 'reality' needled with two strands and concealed behind a multitude of them within the frame, challenges viewers to embark on an intriguing exploration. As they are drawn into the apparent entanglement and attempt to unravel the dual threads without causing them to cluster, a complex and intricate labyrinth emerges, partially veiling and never fully revealing the word 'reality.'

This enigmatic artwork serves as a profound metaphor, vividly illustrating that our pursuit to dissect and comprehend the complexities of reality often begets further intricacy, echoing the spirit of philosophical contemplation embodied by luminaries like Heraclitus, who explored the ever-changing nature of existence. It serves as a poignant reminder that the quest for understanding remains ceaseless, even when shrouded by the intricate web of diverse perceptions and interpretations.