annie scott

this moment is: ("don't exist")

this installation explores themes of reflection, connection, and vulnerability. it invites the viewer to engage with texture, light, and sound, using these elements to create an immersive experience that challenges conventional perceptions of emotion and identity. at its core, the work explores the tension between positive and negative emotions, delving into the complexities of human expression and inner experience. by manipulating transparency and opacity, both in the physical materials used and in the conceptual underpinnings of the piece, it raises questions about the limits of visibility and understanding. how much of a person's true emotional state can we access or truly know, given the layers of presentation, masking, or withholding? 

the juxtaposition of an overly emphatic declaration of "i am happy" followed immediately by the anxious, almost pleading question, "are you happy?" underscores the dissonance that often exists between outward expressions and internal realities. it reflects the gap between what is projected to others and the uncertainty or complexity of what lies beneath. the materials themselves—deliberately chosen for their contrasting textures—mirror this dissonance. rough and smooth, transparent and opaque, these surfaces interact with light in ways that evoke feelings of both clarity and obstruction. the use of light, in particular, plays a crucial role, casting shadows and revealing glimpses, reinforcing the idea that our emotional landscapes are often fragmented or incomplete, and can never be fully known or understood. sound, too, amplifies this sense of tension, creating an auditory space that mirrors the emotional push-pull between expression and concealment. ultimately, this piece asks the audience to reflect on the nature of connection and the often imperfect ways we communicate our innermost selves. it questions how we navigate vulnerability in a world where truth and presentation are constantly in flux, and reminds us that the spaces between emotion, expression, and understanding are often much more complex than they first appear.