In Bits and Pieces
In Bits and Pieces investigates the narratives and circumstances of men who discreetly seek intimacy with other men. For example: "My wife doesn't know I'm doing this," tells of a closeted adulterer; while "I'm told I'm really good," reaches to overconfidence; and "I'm new to this," marks a rite of passage. Nestled in the profile descriptions of online dating and hookup platforms, these revealing statements are presented as the embodiment of one's situation and transform into a conversation of confessionals.
The body of work is presented in the form of letter board and pedestal board signs, and their end function communicates, informs, announces, or provides directives. I have adapted these signs to reference human situations while revealing the melancholic or emotionally charged statements offered by profile owners. These anthropomorphic sculptures act as both windows into and players in an online world. As viewers we witness the gains, losses, anticipations, and apprehensions experienced by these individuals and wonder: are their stories unraveling little by little, or are they building a new narrative in bits and pieces?
Christos Pantieras would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
