by: Danielle Jamar
In my proposal for Pandora’s Box, I struggled with the artistic challenge of enlarging a computer model formed from Adobe PhotoShop and Infiniti-D into a three-dimensional installation piece. After researching, I finally discovered the most effective and realistic size, method of presentation, and the materials to create and present my original concept. The installation is presented on a scale, which allows the viewer to walk up, be apart of the sculpture, and see the subtle images hidden in the overall image. In order to reach the prominent wall image, the viewer must walk through the five cubes hanging from the ceiling above. The five cubes contain a repeated image mimicking the reproduction that cloning requires. The overall message presents a challenge to the recent advancements in the world of science and particularly that of cloning. The introduction of Dolly forces us to realize the reality of cloning humans and the problems it may bring. With the ability to clone an animal at our disposal, humans are faced with the dilemma of what cloning really means to humankind. The individuality of the self is threatened. In order to express this concern, I created an image that reflects the fears that I have along with the sense of wonder. As Steve Tomasula said, “It’s getting harder to avoid the sense that our bodies are slipping away.” 1 In Pandora’s Box, I wanted to provide the viewer with clues yet offer room for different interpretations.
1 Steve Tomasula, “Art in the Age of the individual’s mechanical reproduction” in New Art Examiner v. 25 no. 7 (April 1998), 18.