With my artistic debut, I set out to create a time capsule—because art is more than a part of culture; it mirrors it. A defining aspect for young people in the early 2020s was the post-lockdown culture dominated by TikTok, where mental health and self-irony became central themes.
“'situationship' — a four-part series” captures the essence of being young and unhappily in love during 2020-2021. It reflects that peculiar state of romantic limbo, evoking memories for those who experienced it and preserving a feeling that might become incomprehensible in the future. In 30 years, who will understand what three dots in a text bubble did to someone’s heart?
At its core, a 'situationship' represents the post-lockdown youth culture—emotionally trapped by hormones uncannily like an external force that leaves you “stuck” in an unbearable state. The physical props (e.g., acrylic panels), staged as if following a chat, turn digital words into real objects reverberating in the room.
While this project was inspired by Bo Burnham’s Inside and the song Antifreeze* by aldrch and Ryan Leahan, my next work will explore climate grief through brakence’s song “5g.” As Nina Simone said, “An artist’s duty… is to reflect the times.”
