Are They Ours or Are They Us
Nicole Anne Santangelo
2022
Video Installation
Are They Ours or Are They Us is a video installation that displays the interaction between an individual's identity with their possessions. In front of the audience, the projected government ID-esque photo of myself is being covered by the products I possess or consume.
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This installation requires more participants in order to be more relatable. I plan on displaying participants' portraits alongside mine in a grid format while showcasing our own unique identities. The installation is exhibited in a gallery called The Space In Between.
This piece is inspired by an article written by Russel W. Belk, Possessions and the Extended Self, where he mentions that an individual's possessions are a major contributor to and reflection of one's identities. As a person who enjoys shopping and consuming products (be it digital or borrowed), I have always questioned why a person possess stuff. I understand that answer varies from person to person however when it comes to certain products, why a specific brand? Or even a specific color? A different model? Does a quality of a product reflect the identity a person has? These questions I have not known the answers to yet.
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Viewer looking at the projected photograph
Viewer looking at the projected photograph
I have noticed that when a person introduces themselves, after saying their name they often mention what they do (examples: what kind of job they possess, which university they are in). And with this information, an individual "becomes" that (examples: That's the lady who works for HR, He's the kid who's in AUArts). The title of this installation is inspired by James William's concept of the me (the self) and mine.